In September 2022 and March 2023, we spent one week each, totaling two weeks, discussing strategies for targeting microhabitats in situ within ice. We covered technical topics such as ideal instrumentation, the current state of available instruments, Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) for a hypothetical mission, proper sampling techniques, and how to prevent melting of the samples while ensuring the spacecraft and instruments remain warm enough to stay mobile and take accurate measurements. We also briefly discussed outreach and engagement strategies to raise awareness within the planetary science community and garner support for this type of mission. The full technical report is published here.
I spent one week in Santander, Spain, including a day trip to the Flysch GeoPark, where we observed a thin layer containing significant amounts of iridium, which has been linked to the asteroid impact that killed the dinosaurs.
At a workshop, we heard from many astrobiologists and engineers about the challenges of biology and space missions. Topics included the over-preparation spacecrafts for Martian environments and the importance of never discounting the atmosphere when discussing habitability, both past and present. We also discussed microbial community size detection and how many microbes might go undetected based on the capabilities of current instrumentation.
In March 2022, I participated in the Caltech Space Challenge, where we undertook the mission design of a Titan Sample Return Mission within a one-week timeframe. I was selected from a pool of 900+ applicants, and put on a 16-member team, consisting of two scientists, one graphic designer, and 13 engineers, and had an unusual lateral hierarchy. The team had a near even gender mix, and about half of us were international! Our team demonstrated remarkable cohesion, despite almost none of us meeting prior to the competition.
Throughout the Caltech Space Challenge, I played a crucial role as the interface between scientists and engineers. By assuming the role of intermediary, I allowed the other scientist to focus on our specific work while providing engineers with a clear point of contact. I was also part of the team that developed our Science and Applications Traceability Matrix. I contributed to identifying the instruments optimal for achieving the mission goals outlined in the matrix and took an active role in designing the scientific payload and mission timeline, including Concepts of Operations (CONOPS).
Our collaborative efforts and dedicated work were instrumental in our team securing victory in the challenge. The results were published in the AIAA SCITECH 2023 Forum under the title “Searching for Life on Titan: The Undersea Retrieval of Titan Lake Extractions (TURTLE) Mission.”