Image: An International Project Examining Turkey's Rocks for Future Planetary Missions Dr. Nurgül Balcı Istanbul Technical University - Faculty of Mines Department of Geological Engineering UGA Department of Geology Adjunct Faculty As part of this international project, launched by Prof. Dr. Nurgül Balcı, founder and director of the ITU Geomicrobiology-Biogeochemistry Laboratory (ITU-GBL), in partnership with the Department of Space and Climate Physics, Mullard Space Science Laboratory, University College London (UCL), UK, and the University of Mainz-Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory, Germany, the project will explore the spectral properties, isotopic and geochemical composition of carbonates in southern Turkey, and investigate the distribution and origin of carbonates on Mars, the planet's water history, habitability, and past climate. Mullard Space Science Laboratory, one of the project partners, is part of the scientific team developing the PanCam instrument for the ExoMars 2028 Rosalind Franklin Rover. The project aims to develop a planetary and geochemical catalog of Turkey's origins by evaluating the first-ever PanCam-calibrated spectral analyses and Mg isotope studies conducted on rocks, along with biotrace and geochemical studies conducted by ITU-GBL. This catalog will be used by the Turkish Space Agency to develop and calibrate future Mars missions in particular and planetary missions in general. News: ITU Media and Communication Office Type of News/Audience: Department News Research Areas: Planetary Geology Read More: ITU Media and Communication Office
