Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the - Solar System ...

Mars Polar Climate Mission
As a follow on to Phoenix, the next step for in situ high-latitude ice studies is to explore the
exposed polar layered deposits (PLD). A mission study initiated at the committee’s request (see
Appendices D and G) addressed science objectives include understanding the mechanism of climate
change on Mars and how it relates to climate change on Earth, to determine the chronology,
compositional variability, and record of climatic change expressed in the PLD, and to understand the
astrobiological potential of the observable water ice deposits. Both mobile and static lander concepts
were explored and could answer significant outstanding questions with spacecraft and instrument heritage
from existing systems. These concepts will likely fall within the New Frontiers mission size range.
Discovery Missions
NASA does not intend to continue the Mars Scout program beyond the MAVEN mission, and
instead plans to include Mars in the Discovery Program. The Discovery Program has utility for Mars
studies. Discovery is not strategically directed, but is competitively selected, a process that has been
highly effective at producing affordable, scientifically valuable missions. Examples of potential Mars
missions that could be performed in the Discovery Program, in no priority order, include the following:
• A one-node geophysical pathfinder station,
• A polar science orbiter,
• A dual satellite atmospheric sounding and/or gravity mapping mission,
• An atmospheric sample collection and Earth return mission,
• A Phobos/Deimos surface exploration mission (See Chapter 4), and
• An in situ aerial mission to explore the region of the martian atmosphere and remnant
magnetic field that is not easily accessible from orbit or from the surface
Summary
A combination of missions and technology development activities will advance the scientific
study of Mars during the next decade. Such activities include the following:
• Flagship missions—The major focus of the next decade should be to initiate the Mars sample
return campaign. The first and highest priority element of this campaign is the Mars Astrobiology
Explorer-Cacher.
• New Frontiers missions—Although the committee looked at both Mars Geophysical Network
and Mars Polar Climate missions (see Appendix D and G), due to cost constraints, neither was considered
high priority relative to other medium-class missions (see Chapter 9).
• Discovery missions—Small spacecraft missions can make important contributions to the
study of Mars.
• Technology development—The key technologies necessary to accomplish Mars sample return
include: the Mars ascent vehicle; the rendezvous and capture of the orbiting sample return container; and
the technologies to ensure that planetary protection requirements are met. Continued robust support for
the development of instrument for future in situ exploration is appropriate.
• Research support—Vigorous research and analysis programs are needed to enhance the
development and payoff of the orbital and surface missions and refine the sample collection requirements
and laboratory analysis techniques needed for Mars sample return.
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