Organic Analysis by Pyrolys is-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry A Candidate Experiment for the Biological Exploration of Mars

Abstract

One of the experiments suggested for an early Mars lander involves the organic analysis of Martian soil by an automated pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system. Studies to test the feasibility of this technique for the bio-organic analysis of soil have recently been performed. Comparative analyses of desert soils, Precambrian shales, and meteorites have been undertaken to demonstrate the ability of the method to distinguish material of present biological origin from fossil or meteoritic organic matter.