Statistics – Applications
Scientific paper
Jan 2007
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007aipc..880..878m&link_type=abstract
SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL FORUM-STAIF 2007: 11th Conf Thermophys.Applic.in Micrograv.; 24th Symp Space Nuc
Statistics
Applications
Lunar, Planetary, And Deep-Space Probes, Spaceborne And Space Research Instruments, Apparatus, And Components, Power And Production Reactors, Mars, Interiors
Scientific paper
The multi-kilometer thick Polar Caps on Mars contain unique and important data about the multi-million year history of its climate, geology, meteorology, volcanology, cosmic ray and solar activity, and meteor impacts. They also may hold evidence of past life on Mars, including microbes, microfossils and biological chemicals. The objective of this paper is to describe a probe that can provide access to the data locked in the Polar Caps. The MICE (Mars Ice Cap Explorer) system would explore the Polar Cap interiors using mobile probes powered by compact, lightweight nuclear reactors. The probes would travel 100's of meters per day along melt channels in the ice sheets created by hot water jets from the 500 kW(th) nuclear reactors, ascending and descending, either vertically or at an angle to the vertical, reaching bedrock at kilometers beneath the surface. The powerful reactor will be necessary to provide sufficient hot water at high velocity to penetrate the extensive horizontal dust/sand layers that separate layers of ice in the Mars Ice Caps. MICE reactors can operate at 500 kW(th) for more than 4 years, and much longer in practice, since power level will be much lower when the probes are investigating locations in detail at low or zero speed. Multiple probes, e.g. six, would be deployed in an interactive network, continuously communicating by RF and acoustic signals with each other and with the surface lander spacecraft. In turn, the lander would continuously communicate in real time, subject to speed of light delays, with scientists on Earth to transmit data and receive instructions for the MICE probes. Samples collected by the probes could be brought to the lander, for return to the Earth at the end of the mission.
Ludewig Hans
Maise George
Paniagua John
Powell James
Powell Jesse
No associations
LandOfFree
Multi-MICE: Nuclear Powered Mobile Probes to Explore Deep Interiors of the Ice Sheets on Mars and the Jovian Moons does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Multi-MICE: Nuclear Powered Mobile Probes to Explore Deep Interiors of the Ice Sheets on Mars and the Jovian Moons, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Multi-MICE: Nuclear Powered Mobile Probes to Explore Deep Interiors of the Ice Sheets on Mars and the Jovian Moons will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1363626