A Mars Exploration Discovery Program

Details A Mars Exploration Discovery Program A Mars Exploration Discovery Program

Jul 2000

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000came.work..137h&link_type=abstract

Concepts and Approaches for Mars Exploration, p. 137

Computer Science

Mars Exploration, Mission Planning, Mars Sample Return Missions, Manned Mars Missions, Technology Assessment

Scientific paper

The Mars Exploration Program should consider following the Discovery Program model. In the Discovery Program a team of scientists led by a PI develop the science goals of their mission, decide what payload achieves the necessary measurements most effectively, and then choose a spacecraft with the capabilities needed to carry the payload to the desired target body. The primary constraints associated with the Discovery missions are time and money. The proposer must convince reviewers that their mission has scientific merit and is feasible. Every Announcement of Opportunity has resulted in a collection of creative ideas that fit within advertised constraints. Following this model, a "Mars Discovery Program" would issue an Announcement of Opportunity for each launch opportunity with schedule constraints dictated by the launch window and fiscal constraints in accord with the program budget. All else would be left to the proposer to choose, based on the science the team wants to accomplish, consistent with the program theme of "Life, Climate and Resources". A proposer could propose a lander, an orbiter, a fleet of SCOUT vehicles or penetrators, an airplane, a balloon mission, a large rover, a small rover, etc. depending on what made the most sense for the science investigation and payload. As in the Discovery program, overall feasibility relative to cost, schedule and technology readiness would be evaluated and be part of the selection process.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

A Mars Exploration Discovery Program 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 A Mars Exploration Discovery Program, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Mars Exploration Discovery Program will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1718310