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Potential for the identification of localized water-bearing regions on MarsInterpretations of airborne telescopic observations of Mars in the thermal infrared have identified absorption features due to several volatile-bearing minerals. The presence of some of these (e.g., carbonates) support previous suggestions that Mars once had a denser atmosphere early in its history. While these interpretations provide for ample scientific discussion, from the view of indigenous resource utilization the identification of hydrates is perhaps key to the exploration of Mars. Water is essential to a prolonged human presence in space and more specifically on Mars. Both life support and any agricultural endeavor require quantities of water which are cost prohibitive to transport over large distances. Additionally, water could provide a source of indigenous chemical fuel which could be used for transportation. Hydrates, from which water can be extracted may prove to be a valuable resource on the Martian surface. It is vital to assess the presence of special environments or localized regions on Mars in which hydrates are concentrated, and map the distribution of this potential resource.
Document ID
19910016767
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Roush, Ted
(San Francisco State Univ. CA., United States)
Pollack, James B.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Arizona Univ., Resources of Near-Earth Space: Abstracts
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
91N26081
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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