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

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

Regular price$45.00
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • In stock, ready to ship
  • Inventory on the way

 

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:

Spec Sheet*        SDS        Citation

*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

 

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.