York University|Université York

Purpose

This project aims to better understand the sources and behavior of methane gas on Mars, which is important because it could indicate active biological or chemical processes beneath the planet’s surface. To achieve this, the project uses rotorcraft—drones capable of flying in Mars-like conditions—to track methane plumes and pinpoint their origins. The investigation will progress through three stages: first, examining plume dynamics and source localization in a non-chemically reactive environment; next, examining methane and chlorine interactions under simulated Mars conditions in a laboratory; and finally, field testing in an environment similar to Mars (Námafjall, Iceland). The project’s main deliverable is a detailed method for detecting and tracing methane plumes, helping scientists determine whether Mars may have ongoing biological activity.