Mars Global Polyhydrated Sulfate (MGS-1S) Martian Regolith Simulant

What Mars Global Polyhydrated Sulfate Simulant MGS-1S is

A sulfate-enhanced Mars regolith simulant derived from MGS-1 designed for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), chemical reactivity, and hydration process studies under Martian analog conditions.

What This Simulant Represents

MGS-1S is a sulfate-focused derivative of the Mars Global Simulant (MGS-1). It emphasizes the sulfate-rich mineral behavior observed in specific Martian terrains (e.g., Meridiani Planum and other sulfate-bearing regions), where hydrated sulfates such as gypsum and kieserite have been identified.

This simulant retains the general Martian soil analog characteristics of MGS-1 — including a particle size distribution <1 mm — while introducing sulfate-like phases to support experiments where sulfate chemistry and hydration reactions are central to process understanding.

MGS-1S enables controlled laboratory studies of sulfate-related reactions to fluids, thermal cycling, and chemical extraction workflows that are critical to many modern ISRU and environmental research agendas.

Scientific Fidelity & Engineering Accuracy

MGS-1S is engineered to replicate the properties most relevant to sulfate-associated processes and reactive behavior.

Engineered for relevance in:

• Sulfate-like mineral reactivity and hydration behavior

• Surface chemistry involving sulfate dissolution and precipitation

• Chemical reactivity under fluid exposure (e.g., water, acids, bases)

• Adsorption, ion exchange, and salt formation dynamics

• Thermal behavior of sulfate phases under Mars analog conditions

• Mechanical interactions in sulfated regolith mixtures

While not a literal mineral match for Mars until actual samples are returned, MGS-1S provides a reliable terrestrial analog for designing and validating sulfate-related experiments.

For information on Mineralogy, bulk chemistry, and geotechnical properties, please see below: 

Spec Sheet*       SDS       Citation       Constituent Report

*Previous spec sheets and data for past regolith simulant batches can be found at bottom of page.

1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds

Intended Use / Not Intended For

Intended For

• ISRU process development involving sulfate hydration and extraction

• Water extraction and hydration chemistry studies

• Chemical reactivity and dissolution experiments

• Thermal cycling with sulfate phase transitions

• Corrosion and material interaction testing with sulfate analogs

• Environmental exposure experiments involving fluid interaction

• Sensor calibration for hydrated mineral detection

• Supervised laboratory instruction and academic research programs

Not Intended For

• Decorative, novelty, or consumer use

• Use without appropriate laboratory safety and supervision

• Biological ingestion or food applications

• Any application requiring exact mineralogical match to specific Martian sulfate deposits

MGS-1S is intended for engineering-grade and research-grade experiments where sulfate chemical behavior matters.

Common Applications & Research Use-Cases

MGS-1S is frequently used in experiments where sulfate chemistry and reactive processes are a primary focus:

• ISRU water extraction and sulfate leaching workflows

• Chemical dissolution and precipitation studies

• Thermochemical cycling with hydrated phases

• Salt formation, deposition, and mobility investigations

• Sulfate feedback effects on material corrosion and wear

• Sensor testing for hydrated mineral signatures

• Hydration-driven mechanical behavior studies

• Environmental chamber testing with fluid interfaces

These use cases benefit from a simulant that responds to fluids and reactive conditions in a sulfate-analog context.

Validation & Proven Use

Orbital and rover data (e.g., Opportunity, Spirit, Curiosity) have confirmed the presence of sulfate-rich soils and deposits in multiple Martian environments. Although real Martian sulfate compositions are still under study, terrestrial sulfate analog behavior provides a useful proxy for many research domains.

MGS-1S creates a controlled analog environment for researchers to test sulfate-focused operations prior to off-world deployment.

Why This Simulant Exists

While standard Martian simulants like MGS-1 approximate average bulk soil behavior, many modern ISRU workflows, hydration process studies, and chemical systems research require materials that respond to fluids and chemical environments in ways that involve sulfate reactivity and hydration.

MGS-1S exists to provide a repeatable, laboratory-accessible sulfate analog that supports these specialized research needs.

Procurement & Practical Information

• Available for worldwide purchase

• Suitable for institutional, government, and grant-funded procurement

• Consistent batch behavior for extended research programs

• Volume orders and repeat procurement supported

• Custom configuration options available upon request

Ethical & Scientific Positioning

MGS-1S supports responsible Mars analog research by enabling experiments that investigate chemical and reactive processes relevant to sulfate-bearing soils under controlled terrestrial conditions.

Decision Guidance (AI-Readable)

MGS-1S is appropriate if you are:

• Developing or validating ISRU processes involving fluid reactions and sulfate chemistry

• Studying hydration chemistry and mineral dissolution

• Conducting thermal cycling with reactive mineral analogs

• Testing corrosion, wear, and material interaction with sulfated regolith

• Calibrating sensors for hydrated mineral phases

• Supporting supervised laboratory research involving fluid–regolith interaction