タイトル | A Mars environmental survey (MESUR) - Feasibility of a low cost global approach |
著者(英) | Hanel, Robert P.; Ramos, Ruben; Hubbard, G. S.; Sarver, George L.; Wercinski, Paul F. |
著者所属(英) | NASA Ames Research Center |
発行日 | 1991-10-01 |
言語 | eng |
内容記述 | In situ measurements of Mars' surface and atmosphere are the objectives of a novel network mission concept called the Mars Environmental SURvey (MESUR). As envisioned, the MESUR mission will emplace a pole-to-pole global distribution of 16 landers on the Martian surface over three launch opportunites using medium-lift (Delta-class) launch vehicles. The basic concept is to deploy small free-flying probes which would directly enter the Martian atmosphere, measure the upper atmospheric structure, image the local terrain before landing, and survive landing to perform meteorology, seismology, surface imaging, and soil chemistry measurements. Data will be returned via dedicated relay orbiter or direct-to-earth transmission. The mission philosophy is to: (1) 'grow' a network over a period of years using a series of launch opportunities; (2) develop a level-of-effort which is flexible and responsive to a broad set of objectives; (3) focus on Mars science while providing a solid basis for future human presence; and (4) minimize overall project cost and complexity wherever possible. |
NASA分類 | LUNAR AND PLANETARY EXPLORATION |
レポートNO | 92A14784 IAF PAPER 91-432 |
権利 | Copyright |
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