Keywords
space science
space missions
How to Cite
Abstract
How would a dust storm on Mars feel and can a volcanic eruption on a moon of Saturn affect future technologies ? At Aarhus University a world class planetary environment simulator has been constructed, here researchers can recreate the extreme conditions on other planets - from CO2-ice caps on Mars to cryo-volcanic eruptions on Enceladus. This article describes how environmental wind tunnels, cryogenic cooling and laser based technologies allow the testing of instrumentation for future space missions as well as cast light on Earths climate and desertification. A fascinating insight into how Mars' dust storms and exotic icecaps are not just science fiction but real challenges to engineering and climate research. A must read for anyone that would understand the coupling between experimental physics and planetology.
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