The synthesis and characterization of artificial Mars regolith for astrobiological and geotechnical applications

It is important to understand Martian samples and their exact habitats, including extreme conditions, to improve future exploration of Mars. The Mars laboratory of Eco Astronomy Inc., represented by the Department of Research and Innovation’s Advances in Multidisciplinary Studies Unit, has developed a standard Mars Regolith Simulant called “HAYA"—Eco Astronomy Artificial Regolith of Mars | J-Collection. This experiment is based on APXS data from Meridiani Planum, which was pre-analyzed via CheMin on NASA’s Mars Curiosity Rover. To develop the Martian soil simulant, serpentine soil from Ussangoda and Indikollapelessa in Sri Lanka was selected as the initial material for this simulation, which was ground and sorted to a predetermined particle size ratio [grain diameter: 0.002- 1 mm]. The simulant initial materials were treated with a specific heat of algorithm using an HT 1800 high-temperature chamber furnace. To calibrate the exact chemical properties, small amounts of hematite, aluminum oxide (from sapphire), titanium oxide, manganese oxide, and calcium oxide were added. The upgraded materials were then kept under saturation in a radioactive chamber for 7–30 days. The final sample of Mars Regolith Simulant was analyzed via X-ray fluorescence (XRF), yielding the following results: SiO2 (wt%) 42.88 ± 1.5, TiO2 1.19 ± 0.5, Al2O3 9.43 ± 1.5, Cr2O3 1.19 ± 0.5, Fe2O3 + Feo 19.19 ± 1.5, MnO 0.41 ± 0.4, MgO 8.69 ± 1.5, CaO 7.28 ± 1.5, Na2O 2.72 ± 1.5, K2O 0.49 ± 0.2, P2O5 0.94 ± 0.5, SO3 5.45 ± 1.5, Cl 0.69 ± 0.5. These results show that the simulant is 90% similar to basaltic soil compositions from APXS analyses of Rocknest Portage. These measurements demonstrate the ability of the simulant to accurately represent the mechanical properties of in situ Mars soils for comparative studies. The Eco Astronomy-HHAYA Martian Simulants are designed to promote Earth-Mars analog activities, Mars terraformation activities, and STEAM education in classrooms. A well-informed and enthusiastic public base of support is crucial for the journey to Mars.