Mars Global (MGS-1) High-Fidelity Martian Dirt Simulant

1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds

Mars Global Simulant (MGS-1) is a mineralogical standard analog based on data collected from the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover. MGS-1 is made by sourcing a spectrum of terrestrial minerals, then mixed together in specific proportions to generally replicate the Martian surface. This is in contrast to previous Mars simulants that were typically sourced from a single terrestrial deposit (basalt or palagonite). 

This simulant is commonly used by research institutes and organizations such as NASA, MIT, and Blue Origin for space hardware and ISRU testing. In addition, MGS-1 is used by many educational institutions for demonstrations on Martian Geology and experiments like extraterrestrial agriculture such as plant growth. 

Modified versions include MGS-1S Sulfate ISRU and MGS-1C Clay ISRU, specifically designed for water extraction applications. The root MGS-1 simulant is appropriate to test water extraction from bulk regolith.

All of our Martian simulants are a high-fidelity alternative to the more commonly known JSC MARS-1.

For information on Mineralogy, bulk chemistry, geotechnical properties, please see below:

Spec Sheet*        SDS        Citation

Constituent Report

*Previous spec sheets and data for past regolith simulant batches can be found at bottom of page.

The mineralogy in the spec sheet above is the most up-to-date, superseding that described in Cannon et al. 2019.

The XRF/XRD data is from the Hamilton Analytical Lab.

Note that bulk density is not an inherent property and depends on the level of compaction

We would love to hear about the success of your research. If you have any information you'd like to share with us, please send us an email at exolithlab@ucf.edu.

Photo Credit: Abigail Glover, Exolith Lab