Skip to main content

Update to Strategy for Exploration of the Inner Planets (1990) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

2 Overview
Pages 3-6

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 3...
... Several European nations have contributed instruments to the Soviet VEGA and PHOBOS missions, and Japan has launched its first experimental mission to the Moon. The major scientific developments include not only the understanding of new data from the space missions mentioned above, but also the deeper analysis of http://www7.nationalacademies.org/ssb/innerch2.html (1 of 4)
Read the entire page →
From page 4...
... One very positive development is that economical ways have now been found to send an orbiting spacecraft to Mercury, a project considered prohibitively difficult when the 1978 report was written. The extensive delays in our planetary exploration program, the changed international environment, and the new data and continuing analysis of old data, together with our new perspectives based on current technology and understanding, all argue for a review of the existing strategy.
Read the entire page →
From page 5...
... Mars q The importance of the scientific objectives of study of the Martian atmosphere, interior, magnetic field, and global properties should be given equal priority with the objective of intensive study of local areas. q The geochemical, isotopic, and paleontological study of Martian surface material for evidence of previous living material should be a prime objective of future in situ and sample return missions.
Read the entire page →
From page 6...
... q NASA should fully involve the scientific community in planning for international cooperation and in assessment of proposed cooperative missions. Last update 9/26/00 at 2:03 pm Site managed by Anne Simmons, Space Studies Board Site managed by the SSB Web Group.
Read the entire page →

Key Terms

  • international cooperation
  • inner planets
  • planned missions
  • sample return
  • site managed

  • magnetic field
  • planetary exploration
  • international environment
  • recent scientific
  • outstanding scientific

  • scientific developments
  • scientific merit
  • major scientific
  • space transportation
  • scientific objectives

  • board site
  • space missions
  • scientific publications
  • scientific instrument
  • global mineralogical

  • developments include
  • nonetheless included
  • veriusian surface
  • current perspective
  • mineralogical measurements

  • global properties
  • provides advice
  • significant developments
  • launch date
  • major programmatic


    • This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
    More information on Chapter Skim is available.