Idaho State University is working with NASA on research for trip to Mars

Helping to leave footprints on Mars – that’s what Idaho State University hopes to do.

ISU is working with NASA on research at Craters of the Moon in Idaho. Through the research, scientists are hoping to be able to better understand how to search for, and understand, microbial life forms on Mars.

This research is part of NASA’s preparation toward its long-term goal of a mission to Mars in 2030.

ISU geoscience professor Shannon Kobs Nawotniak, said this is a huge honor for the university and a great opportunity for all of the area.

“The state of Idaho, National Park Service, Idaho State University, we’re getting to play a key role in guiding the future of space exploration and expansion out there,” Kobs Nawotniak said.

In March 2015, ISU geoscience professors received a $400,000 grant for four years to do this research.

Scientists will be studying areas of interaction between lava flow and water at Craters of the Moon.

Microbial experts will be doing culture evaluations on rocks. They will also be doing geochemical analyses and detailed work with microscopes. All this will help them understand what microbes exist in this type of environment and how they survive in the rocks. Kobs Nawotniak said this in turn helps scientists determine if existing or preserved life forms on other planets, like Mars, are possible.

The research and work being done at Craters of the Moon is exactly what would be done on NASA’s mission to Mars. Work at Craters of the Moon is a real-life simulation to help NASA better prepare for a mission to Mars. Research and testing here in Idaho is helping them test the exact equipment and procedures they would use on Mars. Kobs Nawotniak said Craters of the Moon is a “dress rehearsal” for a mission to Mars so that scientists go prepared.

Kobs Nawotniak said it’s an honor for her to get to work with NASA and she’s thrilled for the opportunity.

“I’m so excited to get the privilege of working with them and helping lead this project and I think it’s something that all of us should get an opportunity to get to do,” she said. “You’re getting to work with some of the best people, best scientists, best engineers, to take on really big questions that are relevant around the world.”

ISU and NASA are holding a community day Thursday at Craters of the Moon. They will offer tours, demonstrations and insights into the research being done there. The public can also meet with NASA scientists. There are also many activities geared toward kids.

Below is a schedule for Thursday’s events.

Bottolfsen Park from 2 to 5 p.m.: NASA and ISU scientists will provide tours and demonstrations. The public can tour the NASA Mobile Mission Command Center, which was brought in from the Kennedy Space Center.

Demonstrations include: a “trashcano” simulated volcanic eruption, an unmanned aerial vehicle simulator, and an interplanetary communications demonstration.

Craters of the Moon Visitor Center 6 to 8 p.m.: Park rangers and NASA scientists will provide various demonstrations and presentations.