MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. — NASA and the Canadian Space Agency invite journalists to observe the international, multidisciplinary Pavilion Lake Research Project (PLRP) team this summer as it studies and explores the origin of rare freshwater carbonate rock formations that thrive in Pavilion Lake, British Columbia, Canada.
News media will have an opportunity to interview PLRP scientists including a trio of NASA and CSA astronauts, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, July 6, 2010, as they conduct research about life in extreme environments using a combination of underwater vehicles and scuba divers. The research project blends science and technology to advance knowledge of astrobiology and examine how humans could explore the moon and Mars.
Scientists believe similar carbonate rock structures, known as microbialites, were formed by microorganisms as early as 2.5 billion years ago. Today, environments rich in microbialites are seen as potential analogs for the biological, geological and chemical processes of early Earth, and other planets.
News media interested in attending must register before noon PDT on Wednesday, June 30, 2010, at: http://tinyurl.com/plrpmedia. A British Columbia Provincial Park permit is required for filming at Pavilion Lake. Reporters should e-mail Rob Enns at rob.enns@gov.bc.ca to obtain a permit. News media will also be required to pass boat and land safety and logistical checkouts for before gaining access to the PLRP Project field site.
For more information about this year’s Pavilion Lake Research Project, visit: http://www.pavilionlake.com
For more information about NASA’s Exploration Analog Missions, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/home/analogs.html
