East Meridiani Planum’s karst geomorphology and biosignature preservation potential: a multi-criteria landing site analysis

Introduction Future Mars astrobiology missions require landing sites that balance scientific potential for biosignature detection with engineering safety. This study addresses the need for systematic identification of optimal sites targeting ancient aqueous environments distinct from previously explored terrains. Methods A multi-criteria GIS-based analysis was conducted to evaluate five candidate landing sites (Aram Chaos, East Meridiani Planum, Ottumwa Crater, East Margaritifer Terra, and Nili Fossae) using global and regional datasets including MOLA topography, MOCAAS mineralogy, HiRISE imagery, and thermal inertia measurements. Sites were assessed against engineering constraints (latitude ±30°, elevation