Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Polar Planetary Research Network: Exploring Space in the Canadian Arctic  (Polar Planetary Research Network (PPRN))

Outline
The world of planetary exploration is rapidly evolving. More than ever before, the international scientific community is attempting to answer fundamental questions on the origins of life and of the Solar System, by exploring other planets. Humans will one day explore Mars and use the Moon as a stepping-stone to demonstrate technologies and to do science. Currently, the only way we can "explore" Mars is via images and chemical data sent back from unmanned orbiting spacecraft and rovers, and through the study of Martian meteorites. Interpretations of Mars must, however, begin by using the Earth as a reference. We are very fortunate in Canada to have the geography and climate that we have. Much of the remote, harsh, and often unexplored regions of the Canadian Arctic can serve as analogues for Mars. The goal of these activities is to set up a coordinated network of analogue sites in the Canadian Arctic: a Polar Planetary Research Network.Analogue sites represent places on Earth, which approximate conditions that may have existed on Mars in the past, or even at the present-day. These sites provide unique opportunities to further our scientific understanding of Mars by studying and investigating geological and biological processes on Earth. The Canadian Arctic offers a plethora of potential analogue sites, including vast regions of continuous permafrost, polar deserts, meteorite impact craters, glacial landscapes, perennial springs, ice-covered lakes, and unique biological habitats.Under the theme of "Exploring other worlds begins with exploring our own", a multi-disciplinary approach will be taken to use Mars analogue sites in Canada to further our scientific understanding of Mars and Earth, to develop and test specific technologies, and to understand how to explore and live in a safe manner on other planets. Some of the technology developed and the infrastructure deployed at these remote field observatories will directly benefit northern communities. These sites will also provide stable, multi-year observatories at which a host of environmental monitoring studies will be carried out.This is a Canadian Space Agency-led activity with participants proposed from several branches from within the CSA. In addition, we propose to collaborate with colleagues at the Communications Resource Centre (CRC) Canada and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), as their expertise in remote sensing and regional surveys will be required to make this activity a success. We also envisage participation from Canadian industry, universities, and international partners.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The exploration of Space is the next frontier. As part of this project, a network of field observatories will be established in the Canadian Arctic. Activities at these sites will focus on understanding geological and biological processes in extreme environments on Earth in order to answer fundamental questions on the origins of life and of the Solar System. In addition, these sites will provide stable, multi-year observatories at which a host of environmental monitoring studies can be carried out. This will provide important information regarding the present environmental status of the Arctic and to study the changes in the polar regions.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
NASA Haughton–Mars Project, Principal Investigator: Pascal Lee, NASA Ames Research Center, SETI Institute, Mars Institute, USA.Charles Cockell, Open University, UK.Darlene Lim, NASA Ames Research Center, USA.John Parnell, University of Aberdeen, UK.We intend to invite the European Space Agency to participate in this activity.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Currently, there are two main sites at which analogue studies are being carried out: the Haughton impact structure and its surroundings, Devon Island (75o 22' N, 89o 41' W) and Expedition Fiord, Axel Heiberg Island (79o 26' N, 90o 46' W). In addition, several other, as yet to be determined, sites will be chosen.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 04/07 – 10/07      04/08 – 10/08      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Required logistic support/facilities: helicopters; fixed wing transport and geophysical aircraft; existing and new field stations; observatories.All field station facilities will be available to support and host other IPY activities.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The goal of these activities is to set up a network of analogue sites in the Canadian Arctic. This will include the renovation/improvement of existing field stations, and the emplacement of new field stations. The infrastructure at these sites (laboratories, accommodation, power and communication systems, etc.) will provide a legacy of infrastructure. Local communities will be able to benefit from these installations.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
National agency
Commercial operator
Own support
Other sources of support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Discussions with several Canadian government agencies and universities are underway. The activity is fully endorsed by the Canadian Space Science community.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?

Analogue studies are currently being carried out, without coordination, at several sites in Canada. The aim of this project is to establish an integrated network of complementary analogue field sites. The CSA intends to launch a pilot project to coordinate activities at existing analogue sites during the 2005 and 2006 field seasons.

How will the project be organised and managed?
This project will be managed and coordinated by the CSA. Each field site will have a principal investigator who will have considerable autonomy. The CSA will facilitate collaboration with NRCan and other Canadian government institutions, universities, and international partners. The logistics will be managed by a contractor in coordination with the Polar Continental Shelf Project.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The initial plan for addressing these issues is through an interactive website, which will include teacher training programs and hands-on student activities. The program will include virtual tours of analogue sites on Earth and similar terrains on Mars. Where appropriate, we intend to include young people from local communities with hands-on activities.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Scientific data generated through these activities will be made available on a website, which may be hosted at the CSA.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
It is envisaged that funding will come from several federal agencies and departments and from international partners (e.g., NASA). The Space Science Branch of the CSA is committing $500,000 per year for the next 2 years to fund a pilot project in preparation for the proposed IPY activities. Funding on the order of $5–10 million per year is anticipated for these IPY activities.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Under the theme of "Exploring other worlds begins with exploring our own" it is hoped that these activities will foster collaboration between an array of government agencies, universities, and industry, both within Canada and internationally. Analogue studies offer an unparalleled opportunity to increase our understanding of the Solar System and, at the same time, increase our knowledge of the Canadian Arctic. Throughout this entire process, the involvement of northern communities will be key. "Man must rise above the Earth – to the top of the atmosphere and beyond – for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives." Socrates.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Director Alain Berinstain
6767 Route de l'Aeroport
Saint-Hubert
Quebec
J3Y 8Y9
Canada

Tel: (450) 926-6573
Mobile:
Fax: (450) 926-4766
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information