How will the Rio Tinto experiment help in the exploration of Mars?
This yearÕs field experiment is focused on searching for life in the subsurface using conventional drilling, sample handling and sample analysis techniques. The results of this experiment will provide ground truth on the science and help guide the technology development for a future experiment in the MARTE project that will simulate a remote drilling mission on Mars. This future experiment will use a drill and sample handling system designed for a Mars mission. 6. How does MARTE help solve ÒrealÓ problems on Earth? Answer: The MARTE project is helping to train new scientists and engineers. We have several graduate and undergraduate students working on the project. We are giving live lectures during the experiment in Spain. The lectures are available in Spanish and English. Scientists and engineers involved in the project will give three lectures per week for three weeks. More information about these lectures is on the Internet at: http://robotics.nasa.gov/courses/fall2003/index.php 7.
