Marslab intro

The Mars Simulation Laboratory is a collection of analytical facilities built by an interdisciplinary research team of biologists, chemists, geologists and physicists who work together on joint research related to the planet Mars.

Mars (Hubble telescope)

The main focus of the Mars Simulation Laboratory is the study of processes on the surface of Mars.

This can be done from data coming back from Martian landers, Martian satellites or spectroscopic long distance instruments placed on Earth or in Eartian orbit. However, this is also done from the study of meteorites coming to Earth from Mars and from so-called Mars analogue samples studied under Martian conditions created in chambers on Earth.

Dust in Mars' atmosphere (NASA)

The background for the study of Mars can be expressed in four scientific goals shared by ESA and NASA and valid also for the Danish collaboration group:

  • Evidence of past or present life on Mars
  • Study of the Martian climate and climate development
  • Study of the Martian geology
  • Preparation for human exploration of Mars


Mars Express (ESA)		 The interdisciplinary research projects carried out by scientists from the Mars Simulation Laboratory all focus on these goals. The Mars Laboratory has been recognized as one of ESA's Mars Express Collaboration Laboratories.


Mars laboratory and wind tunnel

The research can be categorized in four groups as listed below:

  • Survival, activity and diversity of microbial communities under Martian conditions
  • Heterogenous processes in the Martian atmosphere. UV-oxidation, oxidation products and activation energies. Reactive molecules and surfaces.
  • Aerodynamics modelling and magnetic capture. Particle adhesion, cohesion and charging. Particle velocity and particle size determination methods under low pressure conditions.
  • Mars analogue mineralogy. Mineral synthesis and identification. CEMS Mössbauer spectroscopy. Mössbauer- and magnetic instrument tests, and interpretation of backscatter Mössbauer results from magnetic captured material. Study of Martian conditions on XRF analyses.