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CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

In order to achieve the conference’s objectives, we are soliciting abstracts that would: 

  • Highlight recent accomplishments and the current status of Mars exploration, and that would help establish the scientific context for Mars Sample Return in light of our current understanding of Mars geological and climate history and the context of the potential Mars 2020 landing sites. 
  • Assess the potential benefits of returned samples from Mars to Mars science and exploration. 
  • Highlight cutting edge sample analysis techniques that might inform sample handling and analysis.
  • Assess the methods to explore signs of past microbial life in returned samples through advances in detection of prebiotic and biotic molecules since Viking, including recent Mars meteorite research. 
  • Provide information about the Mars 2020 mission’s role in sample collection, including the constraints and realities associated with the possible landing sites and the sampling system capabilities 
  • Outline agency and industry concepts for the future architecture of the potential upcoming Sample Return missions and mission sub-systems, includingover-arching architecture strategies 
    • flight elements and concepts 
    • surface elements and concepts 
    • the sample receiving facility and sample curation 
    • strategies, protocols, and hardware needed for planetary protection compliance
  • Encourage discussion of concepts and planning for public outreach to generate interest and support for Mars Sample Return

We would especially like to receive relevant abstracts from the academic community, from industry, from agency-related institutions, and from research institutes.

ABSTRACT DEADLINE —  extended — Monday, February 5, 2018, 5:00 p.m. U.S. Central Daylight Time (GMT -6)

  • First authors are not limited to submission of only one abstract.
  • No late abstracts will be accepted, regardless of the reason.
  • Abstracts sent by e-mail will not be considered.
  • Abstracts are limited to ONE page. 
  • All abstracts must be submitted in PDF format.
  • All abstracts must be submitted in U.S. letter size format (8.5” × 11”) and include a one-inch margin on all four sides; A4 submissions will be rejected by the system.
  • Abstract file sizes must be no larger than 3 MB; larger files will be automatically rejected by the system.
  • If not using the template provided, leave a one-inch margin on all four sides of your document.

Authors are encouraged to start the submission process early so the LPI staff will have time to provide assistance in the event of technical problems. For technical assistance, contact Debbie Mitchell (281-486-2106), or send an e-mail message to publish@hou.usra.edu.

Unable to Produce PDF Files?  Authors who are unable to produce a PDF file may send their source files (must be in Word or PostScript format) to LPI no later than January 18, 2018. A PDF file will be created and returned to the author, but it is the author’s responsibility to submit the PDF file by the time of the abstract deadline. Source files should be sent to publish@hou.usra.edu.

If you need to revise your abstract (prior to the deadline only):  If you discover an error and need to replace your abstract file or correct the information submitted on the form, return to the abstract submission portion of the meeting portal and click on the “Update” link that appears next to the title of the abstract you submitted. 

Preparation and Submission of Abstracts
Step 1:   Download the appropriate template
Step 2:   Write the abstract (no more than ONE page) using the format shown in the template
Step 3:   Create a PDF file (no larger than 3 MB)
Step 4:   Fill out the electronic abstract submission form and upload the abstract file

NASA-NCTS Number: 32593-18




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