Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports Volume 39 April 6, 2001

exploration, examine specific options for deploying capabilities, and quantify the performance of these options in terms of key
figures of merit.
Author
Mars Exploration; Telecommunication; Communication Networks; Satellite Communication
20010023100 Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech., Pasadena, CA USA
Martian Surface Boundary Layer Characterization: Enabling Environmental Data for Science, Engineering and Human
Exploration
England, C., Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech., USA; Concepts and Approaches for Mars Exploration; July 2000, Part
1, pp. 107-108; In English; See also 20010023036; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A01, Hardcopy; A03, Microfiche
For human or large robotic exploration of Mars, engineering devices such as power sources will be utilized that interact
closely with the Martian environment. Heat sources for power production, for example, will use the low ambient temperature for
efficient heat rejection. The Martian ambient, however, is highly variable, and will have a first order influence on the efficiency
and operation of all large-scale equipment. Diurnal changes in temperature, for example, can vary the theoretical efficiency of
power production by 15% and affect the choice of equipment, working fluids, and operating parameters. As part of the Mars Exploration
program, missions must acquire the environmental data needed for design, operation and maintenance of engineering equipment
including the transportation devices. The information should focus on the variability of the environment, and on the
differences among locations including latitudes, altitudes, and seasons. This paper outlines some of the WHY’s, WHAT’s and
WHERE’s of the needed data, as well as some examples of how this data will be used. Environmental data for engineering design
should be considered a priority in Mars Exploration planning. The Mars Thermal Environment Radiator Characterization
(MTERC), and Dust Accumulation and Removal Technology (DART) experiments planned for early Mars landers are examples
of information needed for even small robotic missions. Large missions will require proportionately more accurate data that encompass
larger samples of the Martian surface conditions. In achieving this goal, the Mars Exploration program will also acquire primary
data needed for understanding Martian weather, surface evolution, and ground-atmosphere interrelationships.
Derived from text
Mars Exploration; Atmospheric Boundary Layer; Data Acquisition; Mars Environment
20010023101 NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, VA USA
Exploration of Mars Using Aerial Platforms
Fairbrother, D. A., NASA Wallops Flight Facility, USA; Raque, S. M., NASA Wallops Flight Facility, USA; Smith, I. S., NASA
Wallops Flight Facility, USA; Cutts, J. A., Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech., USA; Kerzhanovich, V., Jet Propulsion
Lab., California Inst. of Tech., USA; Concepts and Approaches for Mars Exploration; July 2000, Part 1, pp. 109; In English; See
also 20010023036; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A01, Hardcopy; A03, Microfiche
The exploration of the atmosphere of Mars can be conducted using aerial platforms such as balloons and airships. Current
research and development efforts at NASA include a lobed pressurized balloon system for the Ultra Long Duration Balloon Program.
The capabilities of this system, in regards to pressure, load carrying capability, and duration, are far greater than anything
previously flown. This technology can be adapted for use in the atmosphere of Mars.
Derived from text
Mars Exploration; Airships; Balloons
20010023102 Arizona State Univ., Tempe, AZ USA
Strategies for the Astrobiological Exploration of Mars
Farmer, Jack, Arizona State Univ., USA; Concepts and Approaches for Mars Exploration; July 2000, Part 1, pp. 110-111; In
English; See also 20010023036; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A01, Hardcopy; A03, Microfiche
The search for evidence of past and present life and/or prebiotic chemistry has been identified as the primary focus of the
current Mars Surveyor (MS) Program. In this context, recent exploration strategies have emphasized the need to explore three
basic geological environments: A) sites of ancient surface water, B) sites of ancient subsurface water and C) sites of present subsurface
water. In previous implementation strategies it has been generally assumed that if subsurface water exists on Mars today it
will be located at a depth of several km. Access will require deep drilling that is beyond the capabilities of current robotic platforms.
Logically, the exploration for deposits of ancient hydrological systems may be much easier and has, therefore, given priority.
However, recent discoveries from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) mission have demonstrated that we still have a lot to learn
about past and present Martian environments and the potential for life. Advances in our understanding of Martian surface topography,
geomorphology and composition, as well as in our knowledge of life in extreme environments on Earth, indicate the value
of considering a broadly-based, flexible strategy that will balance elements of both Exopaleontology (the search for a fossil record)
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