The Astrobiological Laboratories are investigating the habitability of Mars, the detection of life in Mars-like and icy Moon-like environments, using planetary simulation experiments in the field, in the laboratories, and in space (Low Earth Orbit). In addition, the habitability of exoplanets is a focus.
Further in addition to the Mars (MSF) simulation facility mimicking the present Martian conditions a new Planetary Analog Simulation laboratory (PASLAB) will also be able to simulate the …

The MSF-Lab, established in 2004, is part of the Department of Experimental Planetary Physics and is used for different astrobiological and physical experiments to simulate the key environmental conditions like pressure, temperature, radiation, gas composition, and primarily also the diurnally varying atmospheric humidity in a range from earth conditions to similar to those at the near-surface atmosphere of Martian mid- and low latitudes. A further part of the laboratory are tests with gas, …

The Planetary Analog Simulation Facility-Laboratory (PASLAB) at the DLR is used for different astrobiological, chemical and physical experiments to simulate variations in key environmental conditions like pressure, temperature, radiation and gas composition, under conditions ranging from Earth-like (including Early Earth) to the near-surface atmosphere of Martian mid- and low latitudes and exoplanets (e.g. temperature range between -70 °C to +20 °C, low pressures 6 to 10 mbar, etc.). The DLR …

The Planetary Emissivity Laboratory (PEL) is a special sub-session of the Planetary Spectroscopy Laboratory (PSL) of the DLR in Berlin, devoted to emissivity measurements in of samples from low/moderate to high temperature (temperature range from 300 to above 1000 Kelvin).
Emissivity measurements are recorded by using an external emissivity chamber (DLR-custom-designed) attached to a Bruker Vertex80V FTIR from the visible to the far-IR (from 0.4 to 150 µm), with a high SNR. Induction system …

The Planetary Spectroscopy Laboratory (PSL) provides spectral measurements from VIS to FIR for comparison with remote sensing spacecraft/telescopic measurements of extraterrestrial surfaces. Reflection, transmission and emission spectroscopy are used to acquire spectral data of target materials.
An FT-IR microscope allows microscopic analysis in transmission and reflectance in the VIS+VNIR+MIR spectral range. Three identical Bruker Vertex 80V FTIR instruments are operating (in vacuum) at …

The institute has a long-standing heritage in infrared remote sensing and infrared laboratory spectroscopy for planetary surfaces. Infrared remote sensing instrument are integral part of numerous planetary missions. In combination with appropriate analysis techniques and supporting laboratory measurements they provide key information on surface composition and mineralogy. The institute has consolidated all visible and infrared spectroscopy in the Planetary Spectroscopy Laboratory group. …

The core of the laboratory is a Raman micro-spectrometer. The spectrometer is equipped with a cryostat serving as a planetary simulation chamber which permits simulation of environmental conditions on planetary surfaces, namely pressure (10⁻⁶ hPa – 1000 hPa), atmospheric constituents, and temperature (4 K – 500 K). The laboratory is also equipped with preparation facilities for analog materials. The samples which are analyzed in the laboratory range from minerals, Martian analog material, …