The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center (ASC) recently established the Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET) program. This service-oriented program is built around the recognition that the Earth is a fundamental training ground for human and robotic planetary exploration, and that ASC is in a unique position in northern Arizona with access to a range of geologic analogs for planetary science and technology research. The ASC has a long history of responding to community needs and is currently working to provide the community with datasets, sample collections, logistical support, field guides, and other resources that support terrestrial analog fieldwork, testing, and data dissemination. Our vision is to lead the planetary science community in training, research, data archiving, and sample curation involving terrestrial analog field sites.
ASC is prepared to facilitate external scientists in their development and completion of fieldwork in Northern Arizona, as well as to support the long-term preservation of both digital and physical data. The TARGET program seeks to leverage the history, location, service-orientated project model, and cross-disciplinary nature of ASC to enhance the scientific and educational return from terrestrial analog studies. This program aims to provide information and tools to the broader community so the quality of analog studies can be improved by all scientists funded by NASA and other agencies.
What is an Analog?
Terrestrial analogs are locations on Earth with one or more geological, biological, or environmental conditions similar to those found on other planets, either past or present. Analog studies often focus on investigating geologic processes on Earth and extrapolating them to other planetary bodies. In addition to scientific investigations, terrestrial analogs are used for training, technology demonstrations, traverse planning, and field simulations.
- Overview
The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center (ASC) recently established the Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET) program. This service-oriented program is built around the recognition that the Earth is a fundamental training ground for human and robotic planetary exploration, and that ASC is in a unique position in northern Arizona with access to a range of geologic analogs for planetary science and technology research. The ASC has a long history of responding to community needs and is currently working to provide the community with datasets, sample collections, logistical support, field guides, and other resources that support terrestrial analog fieldwork, testing, and data dissemination. Our vision is to lead the planetary science community in training, research, data archiving, and sample curation involving terrestrial analog field sites.
ASC is prepared to facilitate external scientists in their development and completion of fieldwork in Northern Arizona, as well as to support the long-term preservation of both digital and physical data. The TARGET program seeks to leverage the history, location, service-orientated project model, and cross-disciplinary nature of ASC to enhance the scientific and educational return from terrestrial analog studies. This program aims to provide information and tools to the broader community so the quality of analog studies can be improved by all scientists funded by NASA and other agencies.
What is an Analog?
Terrestrial analogs are locations on Earth with one or more geological, biological, or environmental conditions similar to those found on other planets, either past or present. Analog studies often focus on investigating geologic processes on Earth and extrapolating them to other planetary bodies. In addition to scientific investigations, terrestrial analogs are used for training, technology demonstrations, traverse planning, and field simulations.
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