Terra Preta

Stephanie Lewis

Hinds Community College

 Abstract

Terra Preta, named after the soil management technique developed by natives of the

Amazon region thousands of years ago (CarbonZero, n.d.), is a robotic rover mission that focuses

on Martian soil management. It is a slow-paced, perennial mission and if successful, the results

will last thousands of years and pave the way for future plant life on Mars. Since Mars cannot

sustain plant life on its own, the landscape needs years, possibly decades, of cultivation. The

mission requires a robotic rover to begin soil management by depositing and mixing a powerful

soil supplement called biochar, more commonly known as activated charcoal, with Martian soil.

Terra Preta will only monitor a small area of land in its early stages but it is important to keep in

mind the long-term benefits of the mission. The main goal of the mission is to monitor the

chemical reactions of biochar with the environment in hopes to improve the soil and atmosphere

quality on Mars.

Scientific Objectives

1. Deploy a rover to survey the land.

The rover used for this mission will be like the Curiosity rover (Jet Propulsion Laboratory

1*, 2012) except smaller in size and in addition to a scoop or robotic arm, it will require a tool

for tilling soil. Once the rover lands, it will survey the area

and find two different plots of land, approximately one

square kilometer each in size, in different locations. Ideally,

the two locations should be close enough for the rover to

travel back and forth, but also be diverse enough to send back unique data for analysis. The rover

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will use the Sample Acquisition, Processing, and Handling (SA/SPaH) subsystem (Jet Propulsion

Laboratory 4*, 2012) to take samples of the soil and drill deep into the ground to collect data for

each plot of land.

2. Deposit and mix the biochar into the soil.

The rover, carrying an adequate amount of biochar mixture, will make its way to each

plot of land and till the soil. As it sifts through the soil, every four to five feet it will scoop away

soil and deposit the biochar into the soil. It will then

re-till the soil to make sure the biochar mixture is

evenly distributed. It is imperative that the biochar not

be mixed with any superficial soil, but instead deeper

into the ground to ensure it remains in the soil and

generates optimal results.

3. Collect samples of the soil and send data back for analysis.

To determine the effects of the biochar in the soil, samples will need to be taken at least

every two days and results recorded to be analyzed and compared. The rover will collect samples

to monitor the soil and its surroundings. The data will be transmitted to orbiters, such as the 2001

Mars Odyssey or Mars Global Surveyor, which will then send the data back to Earth (Jet

Propulsion Laboratory 5*, 2012) to be analyzed. This is the most important part of the mission.

The data collected from each plot when the rover first arrived will be directly compared to the

soil samples collected after the biochar mixture was added to determine the effects the biochar

has on the soil and the environment.

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Landing Site

The landing site I have chosen for this mission is

Mawrth Vallis, or Mars Valley. It is located 23.99 N,

341.04 E and its elevation is -2245 meters. (Jet Propulsion

Laboratory 3*, 2011) This area is ideal because its low in

elevation and the valley-like position will provide a secure

environment for the plots, safe from Marss notorious dust storms and windy conditions. The

land in this area is rich in clay minerals such as phyllosilicates. This serves as an indicator that

this area supported life at one point, so the possibility of it supporting life again in the future

remains. Finally, this location is close to non-hazardous landing zone which is necessary for the

mission.

Timeline

Pre-launch activities:

During the pre-launch, the team will design and build the rover. After it is built then it

will be tested extensively to ensure it will be functioning properly for the mission. All necessary

materials will be prepared to be sent with the rover, including the biochar mixture. A team of

specialists will determine the amount of biochar needed to be sent with the rover. This stage is

when all calculating and preparations are done. Media is involved and updated regularly during

this phase.

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Launch:

Once approved and all final system checks are completed, the spacecraft containing the

rover is launched toward Mars. Media and the public are notified of the launch and kept up to

date on the mission. Mars tends to have its major dust storms around late summer (Powell,

2013), roughly from the end of June to mid-August. To avoid these storms the ideal time for the

rover to arrive for this mission is around the beginning of the year. Since it takes on average six

to seven months for a spacecraft to reach Mars, the launch will need to be in July, so the landing

will take place sometime in January or February.

Cruise:

Major monitoring and health checks of the spacecraft and rover are done during this

phase. The team ensures that the spacecraft is still on the correct route and any possible

maintenance is done if necessary.

Approach:

The spacecraft approaches Marss atmosphere and engineers track the spacecraft to

ensure accurate trajectory. If any trajectory correction needs to be made then it is done so.

Entry:

Rockets control the spacecraft as it meets and enters the Martian atmosphere and heads

toward the surface.

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Descent:

A parachute descent will be used in the landing of this rover, much like the landing of

Curiosity and previous rovers. The landing spot is determined and the rover separates from the

sky crane spacecraft, then is lowered. (Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2*, 2012)

Landing:

Before the sky crane disconnects completely the rover is lowered to meet the surface

softly, then the crane disconnects, separates from the rover, and flies away. (Jet Propulsion

Laboratory 2*, 2012)

First Drive:

As soon as the rover lands, it does several things. It immediately takes pictures and

attempts to communicate with Earth and the orbiting space craft, as well as tests pre-existing

conditions on Mars and records the data while waiting for instructions. Basic functions such as

brakes, acceleration, and system check are performed to make sure everything is working

properly after landing.

System Operations:

Once the rover receives commands, it begins to survey the landscape and locate two

separate plots of one square kilometer to begin analysis. Using the drill, scoop, and SA/SPaH

system (Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2*, 2012) the rover tests soil samples then sends the data.

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 Personnel

Soil Scientist

This team member must have a bachelors degree or higher in botany, agricultural

sciences, natural resource management, or anything related to agriculture. The role of the soil

scientist is to analyze the soil samples, recommend the best soil management technique

according to the characteristics of the soil, determine the fertility properties of the soil, prepare

reports, and communicate any findings with the rest of the team and colleagues. (United States

Department of Agriculture, n.d.)

Project Manager

The project manager is required to have at least a bachelors degree in engineering,

physics, or any related area. The project managers role is to give direction to the team, ensure

deadlines are met and oversee the mission. The project manager will also handle most of the

communication and speak for the team, especially with the public or in any professional setting.

Environmental Chemist

At least a bachelors degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, geology, or any related

field is needed for this position. The role of the environmental chemist is to study the chemicals

in the soil on Mars, examine any water or groundwater, and study how the chemicals in the

environment react with each other. The environmental chemist will also be performing the

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analysis on the biochar and its effects in the Martian environment. (Environmental Science.org,

2017)

Lead Robotics Engineer

For this position, a masters degree in engineering or doctoral degree in engineering is

required. The lead robotics engineer oversees driving and maneuvering the rover as well as the

health and safety of the rover. This team member also calculates the best route for the rover to

take to avoid obstacles, and educates the team about the rover and its abilities. (State University,

n.d.)

Outreach

In recent years, the interest in biochar and its effects on the environment has skyrocketed.

Several groups are currently studying this topic and it becomes more popular as the demand for

an environmental solution increases. Chris Turney, of the University of Exeter, and NASAs

very own James Hansen are both supporters of incorporating biochar into the environment.

Turney claims that biochar is one of the most

powerful potential solutions, and the closest

thing scientists have to a silver-bullet solution to

climate change. (Jha, 2009) Furthermore, James

Hansens paper, Target Atmospheric CO: Where

Should Humanity Aim? focuses on how organic materials such as biochar can improve the

atmosphere. If this concept is applied to soil on an Earth-like planet such as Mars, the results and

data gathered would be greatly useful not only for soil management on Mars but for Earth as

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well. Agricultural and environmental development is crucial to conserving and maintaining a

healthy environment on Earth, and the same idea should be carried on to other planets. Farmers,

agricultural scientists, investors, environmental conservationists, and many more groups could

all benefit from this mission. Despite great efforts to halt or reverse negative effects on the

Earths environment, its health continues to decline and resources are depleted. Soil management

on Mars could teach us ways to improve the health of our own nutrient-rich soil here at home on

Earth, as well as begin a legacy for future life and development on Mars.

Events or materials to engage the public in this mission will include the standard online

promotions utilizing websites for advertising, easily accessible online information and pamphlets

for the public, regular mission progress updates on social media, and chances to tour and

examine the rover prototype that will be used for the mission. This mission will hit close to home

with agricultural and environmental parties, so it would be beneficial to propose a partnership

with Greenpeace for this mission, since they are a renowned organization driven to salvage and

protect the environment. (Greenpeace USA, n.d.) In addition, NASA is already partnered with

the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), so having their involvement in the

mission would be another great advantage, as this organizations goals and ethics mirror the

same ones of the mission. (CASIS, n.d.)

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 References

CarbonZero. (n.d.) Origin of Biochar - Terra Preta. Caslano, Switzerland. CarbonZero Project.

Retrieved from https://www.biochar.info/biochar.terra-preta.cfml

CASIS. (n.d.) International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory | CASIS. Melbourne, FL.

CASIS. Retrieved from http://www.iss-casis.org/

Environmental Science.org. (2017) How to Become an Environmental Chemist,

EnvironmentalScience.org. Retrieved from

http://www.environmentalscience.org/career/environmental-chemist

Greenpeace USA. (n.d.) Washington, DC. Greenpeace USA. Retrieved from

http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/

Jet Propulsion Laboratory 1*, California Institute of Technology (2012) Learn About Me:

Curiosity. Pasadena, CA. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved from

https://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/interactives/learncuriosity/index-2.html

Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2*, California Institute of Technology (2012) Mission Timeline.

Pasadena, CA. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved from

https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/mission/timeline/

Jet Propulsion Laboratory 3*, California Institute of Technology (2011) Possible MSL Landing

Site: Mawrth Vallis. Pasadena, CA. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved from

https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/mission/timeline/prelaunch/landingsiteselection/mawrthvallis2/

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Jet Propulsion Laboratory 4*, California Institute of Technology (2012) Sampling System.

Pasadena, CA. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved from https://msl-

scicorner.jpl.nasa.gov/samplingsystem/

Jet Propulsion Laboratory 5*, California Institute of Technology (2012) Communications with

Earth. Pasadena, CA. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved from

https://mars.nasa.gov/mer/mission/comm_orbiters.html

Jha, Alok. (2009) 'Biochar' goes industrial with giant microwaves to lock carbon in charcoal.

The guardian. Retrieved from

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2009/mar/13/charcoal-carbon

Powell, Martin. (2013) The Martian Year and Seasons. Nakedeyeplanets. Retrieved from

http://www.nakedeyeplanets.com/mars-seasons.htm

State University. (n.d.) Robotics Engineer Job Description, Career as a Robotics Engineer,

Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training

Requirements, Getting the Job. Stateuniversity.com. Retrieved from

http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/416/Robotics-Engineer.html

United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.) Careers in Soil Science, NRCS Soils.

Washington, DC. United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved from

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/edu/?cid=nrcs142p2_054277

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