Planetary Exploration, 1968-1975; Report of a Study by the Space Science Board, Washington, D.C., June 1968 (1968) / Chapter Skim
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Particles, Fields, and Planetary Interactions with the Solar Wind
Particles, Fields, and Planetary Interactions with the Solar Wind
Pages 42-45
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From page 42... ...
The state of plasma, the nature of shock waves and of the instabilities occurring within it, and the large-scale processes that accelerate and produce energetic charged particles can very rarely be studied in the laboratory. The space program has presented scientists with unique opportunities for performing in situ measurements of plasma within the solar system; our increasing knowledge of basic plasma and high energy particle physics is useful in both astrophysics and in laboratory plasma studies such as controlled fusion.
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From page 43... ...
Measurements Required and Scientific Priorities Detailed measurements of the near-space environment of the planets do not require large and expensive three-axis oriented spacecraft of the Mariner class or larger. It is possible to conduct highly accurate and precise measurements of magnetic fields, plasmas, energetic particle fluxes, and subsidiary measurements of the exospheric plasma in the planetary environment by ion and mass spectrometers from small and relatively inexpensive spacecraft.
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From page 44... ...
Such measurements can be best performed from spacecraft placed into moderately eccentric orbits and for which the possibility of decaying periapsis through the use of onboard propulsion will permit radial profiling of the exospheric and upper atmospheric composition. An important requirement of these orbital studies is that they extend for periods of approximately half a planetary year so that seasonal variations can be effectively studied and a synoptic monitoring both of the environment and its dynamic response to solar disturbances be carried out.
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From page 45... ...
A distant fly-by of Mars by the Mariner 4 spacecraft has established only a conservative upper limit to the presence of a planetary magnetic field. While it is expected that the solar wind interaction with this planet and its magnetic field is more analogous to Venus than to Earth or Moon no positive conclusions can be drawn without definitive measurements _in situ of the magnetic field, plasma, and charged particle environments.
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