Reflections on the definition of analogues and consequences for the EURO-CARES project

Abstract

Most astrobiological investigations have been, and will be focused on solid materials, including rocks, soil, and ices. However, natural materials can be very complex in composition and the potential traces of life and/or molecules of astrobiological interest they could contain may be very subtle and challenging to detect. Hence, the importance of prior preparation of the missions using analogues. Analogues are terrestrial sites or samples having properties more or less similar than those expected on a given extraterrestrial body. There is a huge variety of analogues on Earth that can be used for many purposes: to test space craft landing and rover mobility, to test and calibrate instruments and sample preparation systems for in situ missions before launch, to help interpretation of data acquired during missions, and to carry out laboratory experiments. Analogue samples include minerals and rocks, as well as chemical, biological and material samples.