Automated Payload and Instruments for European Exploration Related Activities

For more than a decade the medium sized company Kayser-Threde has been involved in astrobiology research and robotics systems. Earlier projects include autonomous exobiology research platforms in low earth orbit on retrievable carriers and on the ISS (International Space Station). More recently the study focus has been put on in-situ experimentation on Mars. Here, especially ESA studies on the ExoMars-Pasteur payload and the AROMA (Automation and Robotics for Human Mars Exploration) study on autonomous Mars Rovers can be highlighted. The status of these studies include sample preparation and distribution systems, instrument concepts such as RAMAN spectroscopy and a Life Marker Chip, advanced microscope systems as well as different autonomous robotic elements. Major results from these studies shall be presented in the paper.