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Preliminary Results of a New Type of Surface Property Measurement Ideal for a Future Mars Rover MissionThe success of the recent rover missions to Mars has stressed the importance of acquiring the maximum amount of geological information with the least amount of data possible. We have designed, tested and implemented special sensors mounted on a rover s wheel capable of detecting minute changes in surface topology thus eliminating the need for specially- made science platforms. These sensors, based on the previously designed, flight qualified Mars Environmental Compatibility Assessment (MECA) Electrometer, measure the static electricity (triboelectricity) generated between polymer materials and the Martian regolith during rover transverses. The sensors are capable of detecting physical changes in the soil that may not be detectable by other means, such as texture, size and moisture content. Although triboelectricity is a surface phenomenon, the weight of a rover will undoubtedly protrude the sensors below the dust covered layers, exposing underlying regolith whose properties may not be detectable through other means.
Document ID
20040062532
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Buhler, C. R.
(ASRC Aerospace Coacoa Beach, FL, United States)
Calle, C. I.
(NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Mantovani, J. G.
(Florida Inst. of Tech. Melbourne, FL, United States)
Buehler, M. G.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Nowicki, A. W.
(ASRC Aerospace Coacoa Beach, FL, United States)
Ritz, M.
(ASRC Aerospace Coacoa Beach, FL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Missions and Instruments: Hopes and Hope Fulfilled
Subject Category
Instrumentation And Photography
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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