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The Mars Observer laser altimeter investigationThe primary objective of the Mars Observer laser altimeter (MOLA) investigation is to determine globally the topography of Mars at a level suitable for addressing problems in geology and geophysics. Secondary objectives are to characterize the 1064-nm wavelength surface reflectivity of Mars to contribute to analyses of global surface mineralogy and seasonal albedo changes, to assist in addressing problems in atmospheric circulation, and to provide geodetic control and topographic context for the assessment of possible future Mars landing sites. The principal components of MOLA are a diode-pumped, neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser transmitter that emits 1064-nm wavelength laser pulses, a 0.5-m-diameter telescope, a silicon avalanche photodiode detector, and a time interval unit with 10-ns resolution. MOLA will provide measurements of the topography of Mars within approximately 160-m footprints and a center-to-center along-track foot print spacing of 300 m along the Mars Observer subspacecraft ground track. The elevation measurements will be quantized with 1.5 m vertical resolution before correction for orbit- and pointing induced errors. MOLA profiles will be assembled into a global 0.2 deg x 0.2 deg grid that will be referenced to Mars' center of mass with an absolute accuracy of approximately 30 m. Other data products will include a global grid of topographic gradients, corrected individual profiles, and a global 0.2 deg x 0.2 deg grid of 1064-nm surface reflectivity.
Document ID
19920059646
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Zuber, M. T.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt; Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States)
Smith, D. E.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Solomon, S. C.
(MIT Cambridge, MA, United States)
Muhleman, D. O.
(California Institute of Technology Pasadena, United States)
Head, J. W.
(Brown University Providence, RI, United States)
Garvin, J. B.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Abshire, J. B.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Bufton, J. L.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
May 25, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 97
Issue: E5, M
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Accession Number
92A42270
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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