The engineering expertise fostered in North Sea exploration can unlock the potential on Mars, according to a leading petroleum engineering specialist.
Professor Alfred William Eustes III will address industry experts at the next Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Aberdeen presentation and dinner meeting later this month.
Prof Eustes will explore how techniques perfected in the oil and gas sector can be applied to galactic exploration.
He said: “Whilst no organic life has ever been found on Mars, it is possible that a large biomass could exist under the surface, similar to Earth. To determine if this is true, drilling will be required to access the subsurface and the techniques used in oil & gas exploration activities are well suited to future exploratory missions.
“As part of my presentation, I will discuss the current plans for Martian subsurface exploration, the techniques that are required to get there and also how what we learn about drilling there could impact us here on Earth.”
Prof Eustes has more than 35 years’ industry experience. He currently works as an associate professor in petroleum engineering at the Colorado School of Mines.
SPE Aberdeen chairman Anthony Onukwu said: “We are honoured to have secured a speaker of Professor Eustes’ stature, to discuss this extremely interesting and unusual topic.
“This is still a relatively new area of discussion which has gained traction in recent years, with the technology advancements allowing it to become a viable concept. This is the first time that an SPE Aberdeen event will delve into the world of extra-terrestrial drilling and we look forward Professor Eustes’ presentation.”
‘Extra-terrestrial drilling: how on Earth can Martian drilling help us?’ will take place from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, May 28 at the Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen.
