Assessment of Mars Science and Mission Priorities (2003) / Chapter Skim
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12. Assessment of the Mars Exploration Program
12. Assessment of the Mars Exploration Program
Pages 89-104
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From page 89... ...
The new NASA Mars Exploration Program (MEP) , announced in October 2000, is a science-driven program that seeks to understand Mars as a dynamic system and to understand whether life was ever part of that system.
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From page 90... ...
The primary goal of THEMIS is to map the global surface emissivity of Mars in 10 spectral bands at a spatial resolution of 100 m, much higher than has been accomplished by previous infrared instruments such as Mariner 9's Infrared Interferometer Spectrometer and MGS' s TES. THEMIS may be able to identify some minerals as well, but for the most part it will define broad surface emissivity and petrologic units that will be useful for choosing future landing sites.
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From page 91... ...
The mission will also help refine the record of geologic stratigraphy on smaller scales than was possible before. 2003 Mars Exploration Rovers The two Mars Exploration Rovers (MERs)
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From page 92... ...
In 1995 prior to the ALH84001 Mars meteorite discoveries in 1996 NASA had begun planning a mission to collect and cache Mars samples, to be CFollowing the completion of this study, NASA announced that it was delaying the launch of the Mars Science Laboratory until 2009 to allow time to develop an advanced, radioisotope power system for this mission.
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From page 93... ...
TES data provide a tantalizing glimpse of an area of gray hematite near the equator suggestive of large-scale water interactions, but no direct measurements of hydrated minerals exist to date because of insufficient resolution. The Mariner through MGS missions have shown that water has played a significant role in the evolution of the planet, from evidence of standing water, to large outflow channels, to valley networks, and most recently very youthful channels (see Chapter 6~.
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From page 94... ...
Table 12.1 summarizes the outstanding science issues connected with Mars exploration that are discussed in Chapters 2 through 10. MARS SCIENCE PRIORITIES AFTER MARS GLOBAL SURVEYOR The Mars science priorities recommended by seven NRC reports since 1978 and by two NASA reports the 1996 Mars Expeditions Strategy Group report and the 2000 MEPAG report are assembled in Appendix B
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From page 95... ...
· Passive seismometers to study the interior of the planet (see Chapter 2J. This has been consistently endorsed by advisory groups since 1978, but it is not addressed in the current NASA Mars Exploration Program.
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From page 96... ...
Geochemistry, Rock compositions at MER, Beagle 2, MSL Extend coverage of sampling petrology selected localities Study of returned samples Rock compositions beneath None Drilled samples near-surface altered zone Areal Outline geochemical Measurements by MO, ME, geochemistry provinces, relate to rock MRO compositions 3. Chronology, Crystalline rock ages None Dating of returned samples, rocks in situ stratigraphy Tie cratering record to dated Crater record improved by Dating of returned samples, rocks in situ surfaces MGS, ME, MRO, CNES Orbiter, but dependent upon rock dating Tie stratigraphic column to Stratigraphic data from MGS, Dating of returned samples, rocks in situ dated samples ME, MRO, CNES Orbiter, but dependent upon rock dating 4.
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From page 97... ...
Life Extant life None Study of returned samples Fossil life None Sample return (especially sedimentary rocks) Organic material, oxidants MER, Beagle 2, MSL Study of returned samples 7.
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From page 98... ...
? ~ ~ ~ ~ O ~ O Hod has He atmosphere changed over timed · What Is He radiation environment at the surface of Mars?
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From page 99... ...
The sample-return strategy is ambitious and exciting, but as currently defined, it depends on numerous technologies and strategies that have not been attempted before. These include precision landing and surface operations, a robust Mars sample collection and containment capability, a Mars ascent vehicle, a strategy for reliable sample recovery and Earth return, and an Earth-based quarantine facility with plans for sample handling and sample distribution to the sample analysis community.
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From page 100... ...
Recommendation. Because returned samples will advance Mars science to a new level of understanding, COMPLEX endorses the high priority given to sample return by earlier advisory panels, and it recommends that a sample-return mission be launched at the 2011 opportunity.
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From page 101... ...
This will repeat the A polio experience, in which studies of the relatively simply collected A polio 11 and 12 samples showed the need for more specialized sampling techniques on later missions: for example, when the importance of centimeter-sized lithic fragments in the lunar soil became apparent, sievelike collecting scoops were created for the astronauts to permit fine dust to fall through while retaining the pebbles. Serendipity The only thing we can be absolutely sure of finding on Mars is something not expected now.
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From page 102... ...
(This recommendation also appears in Chapter 7.) OTHER ISSUES RELATING TO MARS EXPLORATION Power Supply for Landers and Rovers An extremely important consideration in establishing the capabilities of landed packages, static or roving, on Mars is the power supply on which they rely the options being solar panels and radioisotope power systems.
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From page 103... ...
There is concern in the Mars science community that the Scout program, the youngest and smallest element of the Mars Exploration Program, may also be the most vulnerable. The fear is that the Scout program may not achieve its potential because it will be sacrificed in times of budget stringency.
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From page 104... ...
While the Mars Exploration Program consists of flight missions, exploration and understanding of the planet as a system also depends upon other modes of data acquisition, including ground-based and Earth-orbital observations, antarctic meteorite studies, laboratory analysis, and theoretical modeling (see Chapter 1~. These are all essential components of Mars science.
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