Spanish Astrobiology Center
INTA-CSIC | |
| Location | , |
|---|---|
| Website | cab |
Spanish Astrobiology Center (Spanish: Centro de Astrobiología (CAB)) is a state-run institute in
Its main objective is "understanding life as a consequence of the evolution of the matter and energy in the Universe."[2]
History
The foundation of Spain's Astrobiology Center (CAB) had its beginnings in 1998 when a group of Spanish scientists led by
Organization
The Astrobiology Center is based in
The center is structured in several departments:[4][5] Astrophysics Department, Molecular Evolution Department, Planetary Science and Habitability Department, Advanced Instrumentations Department, as well as several support units.
Research
CAB has contributed to NASA in its mission to better characterize and find conditions for life in the Universe, and has prioritized Martian weather research and endurance of some extremophile microorganisms.[3] CAB has developed instruments for multiple missions:
- Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) for the Curiosity rover
- Temperature and Winds for InSight (TWINS) on the InSight mission
- MEDA (Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer), which rides on NASA's Perseverance rover launched in 2020
- Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) for detecting minerals and potential biological pigments for the European Space Agency's Rosalind Franklin rover also to be launched in 2022.[3]
- CAB is also developing a life-detector called Signs Of LIfe Detector (SOLID) to be potentially flown in a future mission.[3]
References
- ^ a b Centro de Astrobiología - CSIC - INTA
- ^ Centro de Astrobiología. Departamentos y Unidades de Apoyo. Accessed on 6 December 2018.
- ^ a b c d Spain's Centro de Astrobiología. Elizabeth Howell, Astrobiology Magazine. 18 January 2019.
- ^ Lines of Investigation. CAB. Accessed on 6 November 2018.
- ^ CAB - Official Flier. Accessed on 6 December 2018.
External links
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