Critical Laboratory Studies to Advance Planetary Science and Support Missions

TL;DR

This paper emphasizes the importance of laboratory studies in planetary science and astrobiology for interpreting data, supporting missions, and understanding habitability and life's origins in the Solar System.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of critical laboratory research areas needed in the next decade for advancing planetary science and astrobiology.

Findings

Laboratory data are essential for interpreting mission observations.

Identifies key areas like atmospheres, surfaces, and primitive bodies for targeted research.

Recommends high-priority laboratory studies to support future missions.

Abstract

Laboratory studies for planetary science and astrobiology aimat advancing our understanding of the Solar System through the promotion of theoretical and experimental research into the underlying processes that shape it. Laboratory studies (experimental and theoretical) are crucial to interpret observations and mission data, and are key incubators for new mission concepts as well as instrument development and calibration. They also play a vital role in determining habitability of Solar System bodies, enhancing our understanding of the origin of life, and in the search for signs of life beyond Earth, all critical elements of astrobiology. Here we present an overview of the planetary science areas where laboratory studies are critically needed, in particular in the next decade. These areas include planetary & satellites atmospheres, surfaces, and interiors, primitive bodies such as asteroids, meteorites, comets, and trans-Neptunian objects, and signs of life. Generating targeted experimental and theoretical laboratory data that are relevant for a better understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological processes occurring in these environments is crucial. For each area we present i) a brief overview of the state-of-the-art laboratory work, ii) the challenges to analyze and interpret data sets from missions and ground-based observations and to support mission and concept development, and iii) recommendations for high priority laboratory studies.