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Mars exploration in the 1990'sScience objectives for a Mars exploration program in the 1990s, set forth by NASA's Committee on Planetary Exploration, are presented. They include: an intensive study of the Martian surface, the exploration of the structure and general circulation of the atmosphere, the exploration of the nature and dynamics of the planet's interior, the nature of Mars's magnetic field, the character of the upper atmosphere and its interaction with the solar wind, and the establishment of the global chemical and physical characteristics of the Martian surface. Several low cost missions, which have been suggested by the Committee for NASA's CORE program, such as the Mars Geoscience Climatology Observer, the Mars Aeronomy Orbiter, and the Mars Surface Network and Surface Probing missions are also covered. Direct Entry-Direct Return and Out-of-Orbit Entry-Orbital Rendezvous and Docking are two versions of a Mars Rover and Sample Return (MRSR) mission discussed in detail. It is concluded that a MRSR mission will require the combination of full Centaur capability, aerocapture at Mars and earth, and direct return to earth to meet major scientific goals. Further studies should be made in orbit assembly, fuel transfer technology, aeromaneuvering, terminal guidance, rover technology, and robotics.
Document ID
19840061784
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Albee, A. L.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1984
Publication Information
Volume: 37
ISSN: 0007-084X
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
84A44571
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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