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Assessment of Mars Science and Mission Priorities (2003) / Chapter Skim
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Executive Summary
Pages 1-4

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From page 1...
... , a standing committee of the Space Studies Board of the National Research Council, was asked to examine the scientific content of this new program. The charge to COMPLEX was as follows: · Review the state of knowledge of the planet Mars, with special emphasis on findings of the most recent Mars missions and related research activities; · Review the most important Mars research opportunities in the immediate future; · Review scientific priorities for the exploration of Mars identified by COMPLEX (and other scientific advisory groups)
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From page 2...
... Detailed knowledge of the surface material will permit a more intelligent choice of measurements to be made by future remote-sensing missions. Exercise of selectivity in landing sites will open additional doors: Samples from a formerly fluvial environment, for example, may be found to include rocks of diverse composition and age, including sedimentary rocks that contain a record of aqueous activity on the martian surface, conceivably even fossil evidence of life.
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From page 3...
... aSpace Studies Board, National Research Council, The Quarantine and Certification of Martian Samples, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 2002. bFor more details, see Space Studies Board, National Research Council, The Quarantine and Certification of Martian Samples, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 2002.
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From page 4...
... Recommendation. So that the Mars Scout missions can fulfill their laudable goals of filling in gaps in the Mars Exploration Program and allowing a rapid response to scientific discoveries, COMPLEX recommends that care be taken to maintain the Mars Scout Program as a viable line of missions when budget problems arise.
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Key Terms

  • exploration program
  • mars missions
  • mars quarantine
  • mars scout
  • mars science

  • mars research
  • scout program
  • sample return
  • space studies
  • scientific priorities

  • quarantine facility
  • continued support
  • martian samples
  • advance mars
  • mars samples

  • recommended scientific
  • advisory panels
  • flight missions
  • planet mars
  • complex endorses

  • martian surface
  • program plan
  • spacecraft experiments
  • complex acknowledges
  • stringent measures

  • total program
  • advanced mars
  • published recommendations
  • key technologies
  • addressed below


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