The National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) and The Royal Institute and Observatory of the Spanish Navy (ROA): Contributing to the knowledge of Mars and the Moon from Argentina

The Royal Institute and Observatory of the Spanish Navy (ROA) has actively contributed to the MINOTAURO project, led by the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA), whose objective is to deepen our knowledge of the surface of Mars and the Moon through the magnetic study of its crust. This research is part of the context of space exploration, which significantly influences our perception of the cosmos, considering the Earth as part of a celestial family of planets. Each of these celestial bodies offers valuable information and unique perspectives on the other bodies, being crucial to understand the history of our Solar System as a whole.

ROA's participation materialized in a magnetic campaign conducted between March 9 and 20 in the ‘Bajo Hondo’ crater, located in the province of Chubut, Argentina.

The ‘Bajo Hondo’ crater, with a diameter of 4.8 km, offers a terrestrial environment analogous to Mars and the Moon, making it an ideal site for this type of research. Located in the gigantic volcanic plateau of Somuncurá, this crater is characterized by its isolation and difficult access, considerably diminishing human disturbance to its surroundings.

During the campaign, the ROA team carried out magnetic surveys along the crater. The equipment used, dubbed ‘Titan’, consisted of two ‘Fluxgate’ vector magnetometers, a GPS antenna, a laptop and a carbon fiber pole to avoid interference in the magnetic measurements.

To ensure the accuracy of the data collected, a base measurement station was established about 80 meters from the shelter, using a ‘Fluxgate’ vector magnetometer to eliminate the contribution of the external magnetic field in the calculation of magnetic anomalies.

The ROA's participation in the MINOTAURO project demonstrates the Navy's commitment to scientific research, contributing to the enhancement of the knowledge of terrestrial planets and their magnetic characteristics.