Location

Howard Johnson Plaza-Hotel, Columbia/ Enterprise Rooms

Start Date

28-4-1993 2:00 PM

End Date

28-4-1993 5:30 PM

Description

The objective of the Mars Environmental Survey (MESUR) Network mission is to establish a global network of small science stations on the surface of Mars to operate concurrently over a minimum of one martian year. MESUR Network is viewed as an evolutionary and affordable step in the scientific characterization of the martian environment following Viking and Mars Observer and preceding sample return and human exploration missions. The full network is envisioned to consist of 10 - 20 landers providing pole-to-pole coverage of the planet. The broad science objectives of the MESUR Network mission are to characterize the martian environment in terms of atmospheric structure, internal structure, global atmospheric circulation, surface chemistry, and surface morphology. The strawman science payload for the Network mission includes an atmospheric structure package (pressure, temperature, and acceleration measurements during descent), cameras for descent and surface imaging, 3-axis seismometer, meteorology package (surface pressure, temperature, and wind velocity), Alpha/Proton/X-Ray Spectrometer, Thermal Analyzer/Evolved Gas Analyzer, radio science experiments, and others. The MESUR Network project start is targeted for FY 1996 with the first launch anticipated in 1999. A precursor to the MESUR Network mission, designated MESUR Pathfinder, is targeted for an FY 1994 project start. The objective of the Pathfinder mission is to conduct the engineering demonstrations required prior to the full commitment of funds to develop and proceed with the MESUR Network mission. The primary engineering test performed by Pathfinder will be of an entry, descent, and landing approach which employs an aeroshell, parachute, air bags, and a lander petal system; but no propulsion. This passive entry, descent, and landing system is required to decelerate the vehicle from high entry velocity, achieve a semi-hard landing on the martian surface, and establish an upright configuration for the surface operational phase of the mission.

Comments

Past and Future Payloads

Session Chairman: JoAnn H. Morgan, Director, Payloads Projects Management, NASA, Kennedy Space Center

Session Organizer: Shirley Green, Payload Support Office, NASA, Kennedy Space Center

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Apr 28th, 2:00 PM Apr 28th, 5:30 PM

Paper Session II-B - The Mars Environmental Survey (MESUR) Network and Pathfinder Missions

Howard Johnson Plaza-Hotel, Columbia/ Enterprise Rooms

The objective of the Mars Environmental Survey (MESUR) Network mission is to establish a global network of small science stations on the surface of Mars to operate concurrently over a minimum of one martian year. MESUR Network is viewed as an evolutionary and affordable step in the scientific characterization of the martian environment following Viking and Mars Observer and preceding sample return and human exploration missions. The full network is envisioned to consist of 10 - 20 landers providing pole-to-pole coverage of the planet. The broad science objectives of the MESUR Network mission are to characterize the martian environment in terms of atmospheric structure, internal structure, global atmospheric circulation, surface chemistry, and surface morphology. The strawman science payload for the Network mission includes an atmospheric structure package (pressure, temperature, and acceleration measurements during descent), cameras for descent and surface imaging, 3-axis seismometer, meteorology package (surface pressure, temperature, and wind velocity), Alpha/Proton/X-Ray Spectrometer, Thermal Analyzer/Evolved Gas Analyzer, radio science experiments, and others. The MESUR Network project start is targeted for FY 1996 with the first launch anticipated in 1999. A precursor to the MESUR Network mission, designated MESUR Pathfinder, is targeted for an FY 1994 project start. The objective of the Pathfinder mission is to conduct the engineering demonstrations required prior to the full commitment of funds to develop and proceed with the MESUR Network mission. The primary engineering test performed by Pathfinder will be of an entry, descent, and landing approach which employs an aeroshell, parachute, air bags, and a lander petal system; but no propulsion. This passive entry, descent, and landing system is required to decelerate the vehicle from high entry velocity, achieve a semi-hard landing on the martian surface, and establish an upright configuration for the surface operational phase of the mission.

 

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