2008 - Communication Across the Curriculum (CAC)

E s s a y
Global Surveyor, combining gravity measurements and LIDAR
surface scans. No data from earlier explorations were used in
this construction because of the errors those data sets often
introduced to earlier work.
Similarly, an ellipsoid was developed before the MGS probe
arrived, based on early data from Viking, Mariner 9, and various
Earth-based scanning. In light of the MGS study, this ellipsoid
is being revised into a more accurate model. The model being
developed is 22986 meters along the Z axis and 21428 meters
along the Y axis, indicating the south pole has a higher elevation
than the north pole by about six kilometers.
The MGS probe also provided high-resolution of topography
from it’s Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA). This has allowed
us to establish a range of elevations approximately 30 kilometers
from highest peak to deepest valley (compared to Earth’s 20
km). The accuracy of this model exceeds the known accuracy
of our own terrestrial continents. Not bad for a single satellite
tasked with scanning a whole planet in less than two months.
This process is expected to go on for at least another year, and
accuracy will no doubt improve during that time.
Once this process is finished, we will have a highly accurate
geoid, ellipsoid, and topography. From there the process may
seem as simple as setting up a convenient network of control
points, but this is not the case. Much of this work cannot be
done by satellite because of radical terrain changes. Huge shield
volcanoes, ancient impact basins, deep rifts and vast desert
plains combine to make the surface features... challenging to say
the least. Much of this work will have to be done on the ground.
But why Is it really so important
There have been vast arrays of arguments about how to
transform Mars into a habitable world, but all parties agree that
it will happen. The course is set. They only argue over the “how”
and the “when.” The most conservative of these plans suggest
that Mars could have large permanent settlements in less than
100 years. More ambitious plans take far less time and, although
some of them are quite fanciful, it shows a commitment to
permanent colonies in the future.
Colonization will not happen for its own sake. Such a massive
effort must have it’s rewards. Rich mineral deposits will be
mined. Land will be prepared for farming. Industries will be
developed to support these efforts, and so will housing. And
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