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MEPAG Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group July 29-30, 2009 Dr. Fuk Li

MEPAG Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group July 29-30, 2009 Dr. Fuk Li. Mars Exploration Program Architecture: Science Goals/Drivers. Methane. Martian Surface Diversity. LIFE. CLIMATE. Perchlorate. Water, Water, Water. GEOLOGY. Prepare for Human Exploration. Salt Deposit.

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MEPAG Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group July 29-30, 2009 Dr. Fuk Li

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  1. MEPAGMars Exploration Program Analysis GroupJuly 29-30, 2009Dr. Fuk Li

  2. Mars Exploration Program Architecture: Science Goals/Drivers Methane Martian Surface Diversity LIFE CLIMATE Perchlorate Water, Water, Water GEOLOGY Prepare for Human Exploration Salt Deposit Seek Signs of Life Understand TraceGas Origin: Detection, Characterization, Localization Habitability in Diverse Martian Environments Martian Interior Structure/Composition Analyses of Returned Martian Sample

  3. Mission Concepts to Address Key Science/Program Drivers: Building Blocks for Program Architecture • Trace Gas Orbiter • Detect a suite of trace gases with high sensitivity (ppt) • Characterize their time/space variability & infer sources • Replenish orbiter infrastructure support for Program • Mid-Range Rover • Explore Mars habitability in the context of diverse aqueous environments provided by a new site • Select and prepare samples for return • Network Landers • Determine the planet’s internal structure and composition, including its core, crust and mantle • Collect simultaneous network meteorological data on timescales ranging from minutes to days to seasons • Mars Sample Return • Make a major advance in understanding Mars, from both geochemical and astrobiological perspectives, by the detailed analysis conducted on carefully selected samples of Mars returned to Earth

  4. A Potential Multi-Element Campaign for Returning Samples From Mars • Sample Caching Rover • Acquire/encapsulate scientifically exciting samples for return • Conduct scientific exploration of Mars habitability • Mars Sample Return Lander • Retrieve sample cache/ additional sampling • Launch sample container into Martian orbit • Mars Sample Return Orbiter • Capture sample container • Return sample container to Earth Mars Sample Receiving and Curation Facilities

  5. Mars Sample-Focused Program Architecture Options OR • Trace Gas Orbiter • Detect a suite of trace gases with high sensitivity (ppt) • Characterize their time/space variability & infer sources • Replenish orbiter infrastructure support for Program

  6. Potential Program Approach for Next Decade and beyond • ‘16 Trace Gas Obiter • ‘15-’20: Mars sample return technology development • ‘20 Mid-range rover/sample caching • ‘24 Mars sample return orbiter • ‘26 Mars sample return lander Future mission funding wedge

  7. Potential Program Approach at an accelerated pace with international partnership • ‘16 Trace Gas Obiter • ‘18 Mid-range rover/sample caching • ‘15-’20: Mars sample return technology development • ’20 Network • ‘22 Mars sample return orbiter • ‘24 Mars sample return lander Future mission funding wedge

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