[NASA/NIAC] While karst terrain and subsurface caves are sites of immense scientific value on bodies like Titan, they are difficult or impossible to safely explore using current methods.
caves
Posted inCryobiology
Microbial Diversity In Pyrenean Ice Caves: Extreme Cryogenic Environments As Analogues For Extraterrestrial Habitability
[FEMS Microbes] Pyrenean ice caves are the least studies cryogenic environments that preserve perennial ice. These caves host microbial communities adapted to extreme oligotrophy, low temperatures, and episodic water availability, […]
Posted inAstronauts and Explorers
Astronaut Training For Underground Science Expeditions
ESA CAVES (Cooperative Adventure for Valuing and Exercising human behaviour and performance Skills) is an ESA astronaut training program. The three-week course prepares astronauts to work safely and effectively in […]
Posted inAway Teams & Field Reports
Training For Astrobiology Spelunking On Mars
Editor’s note: Many astrobiologists think that there is a chance that extant life could be found underneath the surface of Mars where conditions could be more favorable than they currently […]
Posted inAway Teams & Field Reports
Offworld Away Team Training: Cave Surveys
A phase of cave surveying in which JAXA astronaut Ayu Yoneda photographs cross-sections of the cave using the Electronic FieldBook, with the assistance of ESA astronaut Rosemary Coogan and NASA […]
Posted inAstronauts and Explorers, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Exploration Gear & Tech, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Missions & Hardware, People Of Astrobiology, Tricorders & Sensors
Tricorder Tech: ESA CAVES 2026 Cavenauts Use An Electronic FieldBook
Astronauts Tracy Dyson (NASA), Rosemary Coogan (ESA) and Ayu Yoneda (JAXA) measuring water parameters and recording them in the Electronic FieldBook during ESA CAVES2026 course.
Posted inAstronauts and Explorers
Cavenauts Begin ESA CAVES 2026 Training
NASA astronaut candidate Ben Bailey takes a photo of John McFall, a member of ESA’s astronaut reserve and the Fly! Project, whilst measurements are being taken of the water parameters […]
Posted inMissions & Hardware, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, Status Report
Orpheus: A Hopper Mission To Explore Volcanic Pits and Caves In Cereberus Fossae on Mars.
Summary: Orpheus is a Mars hopper mission concept to explore volcanic fissures and pit/cave vents in Cerberus Fossae that experienced recent eruptions and may still be active, to search for […]
Posted inAI - Data - Apps - Cybernetics, Analog Studies, Artemis & Lunar Exploration, Away Teams & Field Reports, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Exploration Gear & Tech, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Tricorders & Sensors
ISAS/JAXA Campaign Using A Swarm Of Small Robots
The Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), in collaboration with Chuo University, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, and CSIRO, Australia’s national […]
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Microbiology & Virology, Sample Return, Status Report
A Glimpse Into Darkness: Diversity Of Culturable Cyanobacteria, Green Algae And Fungi From Subaerial Cave Biofilms
Caves and hypogean environments provide stable microclimates characterized by uniform temperatures, constant humidity, and low light levels.