Phase II Final Report - NASA's Institute for Advanced Concepts

Chapter 5.0 Potential Payload Functions Using a Communication/
Control Subsystem
Chapter 5.0 Potential Payload Functions Using
a Communication/Control Subsystem
5.1 General Science Objectives [228]
The strategy for exploring Mars is to realize a series of spacecraft that carry instruments to
answer key questions relating to the origin and evolution of the planet as well as its potential for
harboring life. Specific investigations are chosen, in part, based upon the extent to which they
address high priority questions. Central to those questions of high priority is whether large quantities
of water were ever present on the surface of Mars and therefore whether the planet was
ever habitable. Specifically, these questions are:
1. When was water present on the surface of Mars?
2. Did water persist at the surface long enough for life to have developed?
3. How much water was there, and where was it?
4. Where did the water go that formed the fluvial evidence on the surface of modern Mars?
The Mars Expeditions Strategy Group (MESG) was tasked by Goldin in 1996 to create a strategy
that would determine whether life had ever existed on Mars. MESG outlined a program consisting
of global reconnaissance and in situ measurements of the surface, followed by bringing
samples of Mars to Earth. MESG also identified specific classes of surface sites for detailed
study:
1. Ancient sites of groundwater.
2. Ancient sites of surface water.
3. Modern sites of ground water.
The Mars Exploration Payload Analysis Group (MEPAG) was tasked to link the goals of the
Mars Exploration Program to specific investigations and then to measurements that can be made
by science payloads on board spacecraft or conducted in Earth-based laboratories. MEPAG created
investigation pathways that linked the program's strategic goals to specific prioritized measurements.
According to the MESG report [228], the study for life on Mars should be directed at locating
and investigating, in detail, those environments on the planet that were potentially most favorable
to the emergence and persistence of life. This investigation should emphasize sampling at
diverse sites and include a range of ancient and modern aqueous environments. These environments
should be accessed by exploring ejecta of young craters, investigating material accumulated
in outflow channels, and coring.
Preliminary information must be obtained to select the most promising sites for surface studies.
The ancient highlands are already known, with reasonable certainty, to be a region with great
potential; thus it is recommended that the initial studies be performed there. Surface mineralogy
maps will be needed to enhance investigations within the highlands and enable searches in other
locations. Additionally, instruments capable of detecting near-surface water, water bound in
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