Planetary polar explorer – the case for a next-generation remote sensing mission to low Mars orbit

Oberst, Jürgen; Wickhusen, Kai; Gwinner, Klaus; Hauber, Ernst; Stark, Alexander; Elgner, Stephan; Grott, Matthias; Fanara, Lida; Hussmann, Hauke; Steinbrügge, Gregor; Lewis, Stephen; Balme, Matthew; Maugeri, Maurizio; Diolaiuti, Guglielmina; Karlsson, Nanna; Johnsson, Andreas; Ivanov, Anton and Hiesinger, Harald (2022). Planetary polar explorer – the case for a next-generation remote sensing mission to low Mars orbit. Experimental Astronomy (Early Access).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10686-021-09820-x

Abstract

We propose the exploration of polar areas on Mars by a next-generation orbiter mission. In particular, we aim at studying the seasonal and regional variations in snow-deposits, which – in combination with measurements of temporal variations in rotation and gravity field – will improve models of the global planetary CO₂ cycle. A monitoring of polar scarps for rock falls and avalanche events may provide insights into the dynamics of ice sheets. The mapping of the complex layering of polar deposits, believed to contain an important record of climate history, may help us understand the early climate collapse on the planet. Hence, we propose an innovative next-generation exploration mission in polar circular Low Mars Orbit, which will be of interest to scientists and challenging to engineers alike. Schemes will be developed to overcome atmosphere drag forces acting upon the spacecraft by an electric propulsion system. Based on the experience of missions of similar type in Earth orbit we believe that a two-year mission in circular orbit is possible at altitudes as low as 150 km. Such a mission opens new opportunities for novel remote sensing approaches, not requiring excessive telescope equipment or power. We anticipate precision altimetry, powerful radars, high-resolution imaging, and magnetic field mapping.

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About

• Item ORO ID
• 81459
• Item Type
• Journal Item
• ISSN
• 0922-6435
• Project Funding Details

• Funded Project Name	Project ID	Funding Body
  The martian chlorine cycle: linking orbiter and rover observations	ST/W002949/1	UKSA UK Space Agency
  Retrieval and assimilation of dust, clouds and ozone from ExoMars NOMAD data	ST/V005332/1	UKSA UK Space Agency
  Martian aeolian processes and landforms at the ExoMars Rover site: from orbit to surface	ST/T002913/1	UKSA UK Space Agency
  Characterizing the Martian water cycle by assimilating ExoMars 2016 Trace Gas Orbiter data	ST/R001405/1	UKSA UK Space Agency

• Keywords
• Mars; Orbiter; Atmospheric drag; Electric propulsion; Altimetry; Radar
• Academic Unit or School
• Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) > Physical Sciences
  Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
• Research Group
• Space
• Copyright Holders
• © 2022 The Authors
• Depositing User
• Stephen Lewis