Project at AIAS

The proposed project is focused on the use of Raman spectroscopy as a key tool in the frame of Space Exploration. The upcoming years will be very challenging in the special case of Martian exploration considering the NASA and ESA missions so-called MARS2020 and ExoMars2022, respectively. These missions include rovers equipped with different analytical instruments. Among them, several Raman spectrometers are among the scientific payload capabilities for the first time on the surface of Mars. Therefore, a complete Raman study on Martian analogues developed at Aarhus University is proposed. For this aim, innovative procedures such as SERS and laser combination (in collaboration with Univ. of the Basque Country) will be developed in order to improve the existing methodologies for biosignatures identification. Moreover, one of the main aims in the Scientific Groups of both missions is to start performing collaborative science among the different equipments onboard the rovers. In this way, this project pretends to contribute, as well, to the collaborative science by performing supporting analyses by Raman spectroscopy and MOMA instrument (flight-like MOMA Lab at MPI) always analyzing the same Martian analogues developed by Prof. Finster and collaborators at Aarhus University. 

Short bio

Dr. Julene Aramendia (BSc in Environmental Sciences, MSc and PhD in Environmental Pollution and Toxicology) is focused on the use of Raman spectroscopy and other spectroscopic analytical techniques such as XRF, SEM-EDS, IR for the study of a wide range of samples: biologic samples, cultural heritage assets (archaeology, artworks and built heritage), environmental and extraterrestrial materials. She is member of the Science Team of the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) in the ESA EXOMARS2022 Mission.