"Gulliver", an experiment for extraterrestrial life detection and analysis.
Based on the probability that extraterrestrial life is biochemically somewhat similar to life on Earth, a life detection experiment is being prepared to explore Mars. The experiment will be performed by an automated device which will carry a microbiological medium being developed to support a wide range of earth microorganisms. Selected ingredients of the medium will be labeled with radioactive isotopes. A sticky string, shot out from and reeled back into the device, will gather a sample of the Martian soil. It is hoped the radioactive atoms in the compounds will be metabolized by the unknown organisms in the soil and evolved in a labelled gas. The gas will be collected by a chemical "getter" and the radioactivity measured for transmission to Earth. A positive response from the test unit and a negative, or lesser, response from a poisoned control unit would constitute evidence of life. The device can also differentiate between photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic metabolic activity. Data from field tests on Earth are presented.
Levin
G V
GV
Hazleton Laboratories, Inc., Falls Church, Va., USA.
Heim
A H
AH
Thompson
M F
MF
Beem
D R
DR
Horowitz
N H
NH
D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis; D002708:Chlorella; D003470:Culture Media; D004867:Equipment Design; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D018559:Exobiology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D018535:Mars; D010788:Photosynthesis; D012107:Research Design; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D013026:Space Flight / Q000295:instrumentation*
D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D003470:Culture Media; D002245:Carbon Dioxide