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 an upgraded, high-fidelity alternative to the more commonly known JSC MARS-1.
For information on Mineralogy, bulk chemistry, geotechnical properties, please see below:
*Previous spec sheets and data for past regolith simulant batches can be found at bottom of page.
Mineralogy
The mineralogy below is the most up-to-date, superseding that described in Cannon et al. 2019.
| Mineral |
Wt.% |
| Anorthosite |
27.1 |
| Glass-rich basalt |
22.9 |
| Pyroxene (Bronzite) |
20.3 |
| Olivine |
13.7 |
| Mg-sulfate |
4.0 |
| Ferrihydrite |
3.5 |
| Hydrated silica |
3.0 |
| Magnetite |
1.9 |
| Anhydrite |
1.7 |
| Fe-carbonate |
1.4 |
| Hematite |
0.5 |
Bulk Chemistry
This table shows the relative abundances of each element detected by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The relative abundances of elements detected by XRF in geological samples are quantified as oxides. In the simulant, these elements are contained in the minerals described in the Mineralogy table above, and not necessarily in oxide form. These data are from the Hamilton Analytical Lab.
| Oxide |
Wt% |
| SiO2
|
42.9 |
|
TiO2
|
0.6
|
| Al2O3
|
12.8
|
| FeO |
11.2
|
| MnO |
0.1
|
| MgO |
14.6
|
| CaO |
7.4
|
Na2O
|
1.5
|
| K2O
|
0.6
|
| P2O5
|
0.1 |
| LOI* |
5.3
|
| Total** |
97.1
|
*Loss on ignition
**Excluding volatiles and trace elements; see spec sheet.
Physical Properties
Mean Particle Size: 90 µm
Particle Size Range: <0.04 µm – 1000 µm
Bulk density: 1.29 g/cm3
Angle of Repose (Avg): 38.8°
Note that bulk density is not an inherent property and depends on the level of compaction
*Spec Sheet (Before 06/2021)
*Spec Sheet (6/2021-Current)
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
