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Technologies for Icy Bodies AccessRecent events in planetary exploration have profoundly changed the way both space scientists and the public regard the solar system and our place in it. These events include the Galileo data suggesting subsurface oceans in the Jovian system, ever stronger suggestions of near-surface water on Mars, as well as the complex structure observed for the Mars polar caps. And, of course, interest in icy cometary bodies is as old as humankind. Finally, the Mars north polar cap may conceivably cover and protect an ancient ocean floor, an obvious candidate ancient or extant habitat. In short, our interest in searching for life embraced early on the search for liquid water, and that has led us to an additional appreciation for water ice as both a commonplace partner with liquid water and as an issue to be addressed in the exploration of a host of interesting sites. In general, the spectrum of specialized technology for space exploration has not yet been broadened to include the requirements brought about by exploration of icy sites. We argue that technologies for access, operations, and science in icy solar system sites must be examined and their prioritized development initiated in order to successfully plan missions to these compelling sites over the next two decades. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
Document ID
20010041219
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Carsey, F. D.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Anderson, F. S.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
French, L. C.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Green, J. R.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Jones, J. A.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Lane, A. L.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Leger, P. C.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Zimmerman, W. F.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2001
Publication Information
Publication: Forum on Innovative Approaches to Outer Planetary Exploration 2001-2020
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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