HIGH PRIORITY SAMPLES TO CHARACTERIZE THE HABITABILITY OF GROUNDWATERS AND SEARCH FOR ROCK-HOSTED LIFE ON MARS WITH SAMPLE RETURN.

Abstract

Objective 1.1 of the iMOST sample return objectives is to establish the geologic context, interpret the potential habitability, and evaluate the potential for biosignature preservation in samples from an environment hypothesized to have had elevated potential for Martian life [1]. Here, we describe the strategies required to understand the geologic context and habitability of Martian groundwater aquifers and to search for evidence of life in the Martian subsurface using samples.