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Living in a Martian Atmosphere: First Steps towards the Terraforming of Mars

CSEF · 2005 Microbiology

Adam L. Wolf · St. Paul the Apostle School, Los Angeles

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective was to deterine if specific microorganisms could meet two of the criteria (ability to survive in the Martian atmospheric mixture of gases, and the near vacuum atmospheric density) required to terraform Mars. Methods/Materials Four sets of each type of microorganism (a strict aerobe, a strict anaerobe, a facultative anaerobe, and yeast) were grown. Each set of four was placed in a different atmospheric condition, including the Martian atmospheric gas mixture,the Earth's atmosphere, a mixed atmosphere (which included proportions of O(2) and CO(2) between that of Earth and Mars), and a near vacuum that was comprised of the Martian atmosphere. After 72 hours in each atmospheric condition, the microorganisms were removed, and samples were plated and incubated to assess for growth. Any such growth was taken as evidence of survival. Results The anaerobic bacterium (Clostidium sporagenes) and the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) survived both in the Martian atmospheric gas mixture and in the near vacuum, as was evidenced by growth when they were replated on new agar and incubated in optimal conditions. In addition, it was noted that moisture and gas formation occurred while the microorganisms were maintained in the vacuum. Conclusions/Discussion Both yeast and strict anaerobes are candidates for survival on Mars since they demonstrated the potential for survival. Aside from their capacity to survive without O(2), their survivability is probably also due to their capacity to sustain themselves in harsh environments as spores and endospores respectively. Moreover, both are capable of releasing CO(2) as a function of their metabolism, which might result in the thickening of the Martian atmosphere, and hence the warming of surface temperatures and the melting of any ice that might exist.

Summary statement

This project investigates the capacity of four microorganisms to survive in a Martian atmosphere in order to assist in the terraforming of Mars.

Help received

Dr. David Newcombe, and Dr, Karen Buxbaum both from the JPL confirmed that my choice of microorganisms was reasonable. Daniel Schoenholz, a research chemist confirmed that my design for the injection of gases was sound, and my mother helped obtain the apparatus and oversaw safety issues, and

Competition history

  • CSEF 2005 Microbiology · Entry J1339

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