Engineers and technicians have placed a barge in British Columbia’s Kelly Lake, from which submersibles will be launched to explore the depths of the lake. A recent report from the field describes the difficulties and snags faced in the early stages of a field expedition – when critical mission equipment must be thoroughly checked to ensure success and safety.

During the 2011 PLRP field season, Astrobiology Magazine will be providing an Ask a Scientist feature. Readers can pose questions directly to the scientists in the field while they explore the depths of Kelly Lake.

The Pavilion Lake Research Project (PLRP) is funded by the CSACARN program and NASAMMAMA program. Additional funding provided by NASAESMD Analogs, NASAASTEP and Nuytco Research. Previous support for the program has also been received from the NASA Spaceward Bound Program, the National Geographic Society, and McMaster University.