title: A facility for long-term Mars simulation experiments: the Mars Environmental Simulation Chamber (MESCH).
abstract: We describe the design, construction, and pilot operation of a Mars simulation facility comprised of a cryogenic environmental chamber, an atmospheric gas analyzer, and a xenon/mercury discharge source for UV generation. The Mars Environmental Simulation Chamber (MESCH) consists of a double-walled cylindrical chamber. The double wall provides a cooling mantle through which liquid N(2) can be circulated. A load-lock system that consists of a small pressure-exchange chamber, which can be evacuated, allows for the exchange of samples without changing the chamber environment. Fitted within the MESCH is a carousel, which holds up to 10 steel sample tubes. Rotation of the carousel is controlled by an external motor. Each sample in the carousel can be placed at any desired position. Environmental data, such as temperature, pressure, and UV exposure time, are computer logged and used in automated feedback mechanisms, enabling a wide variety of experiments that include time series. Tests of the simulation facility have successfully demonstrated its ability to produce temperature cycles and maintain low temperature (down to -140 degrees C), low atmospheric pressure (5-10 mbar), and a gas composition like that of Mars during long-term experiments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Section for Microbiology, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark.
authors.forename: Lars Liengaard
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Merrison
authors.forename: Aviaja Anna
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: Karina Aarup
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Mikkelsen
authors.forename: Tommy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kristoffersen
authors.forename: Per
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nørnberg
authors.forename: Bente Aagaard
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Lomstein
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Finster
mesh_terms: D002138:Calibration; D004780:Environment, Controlled; D004867:Equipment Design; D018535:Mars; D012987:Soil; D018561:Space Simulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013055:Spectrophotometry, Infrared; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D012987:Soil