Detection of new biomarkers on lichens with Raman spectroscopy after space- and Mars like conditions: Results of BIOMEX-EXPOSE R2

Abstract

Exploration of the solar system, needs science and technology support to work at a merged way. Space platforms, such as EXPOSE, are a priority for the performance of experiments which are focused on the exploration of the limits of terrestrial life, trying to get responses to some questions, such as the 1) survival capacity of biological organisms in space, 2) the effects of space environment on no protected biological and chemical material and 3) results of degradation of organic molecules (biomarkers), that will support the interpretation of missions, such as Rosetta, ExoMars and Curiosity). Some priority scientific objectives for the next 10 years are focused on "Life and habitability" and "Biomarkers for detection of extraterrestrial life", what is belonging to the main aims of BIOMEX (Biology- and Mars Experiment, 2014-2016, ESA) [1,3], experiment performed on the exposure platform EXPOSE-R2 on board of ISS.