Radio science investigations with Mars Observer

Details Radio science investigations with Mars Observer Radio science investigations with Mars Observer

May 1992

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992jgr....97.7759t&link_type=abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research (ISSN 0148-0227), vol. 97, no. E5, May 25, 1992, p. 7759-7779.

Computer Science

Sound

42

Mars Atmosphere, Mars Observer, Planetary Gravitation, Radio Occultation, Transponders, Atmospheric Sounding, Atmospheric Stratification, Radio Tracking, Synchronized Oscillators

Scientific paper

Mars Observer radio science investigations focus on two major areas of study: the gravity field and the atmosphere of Mars. Measurement accuracies expressed as an equivalent spacecraft velocity are expected to be of the order of 100 microns/s (for both types of investigations) from use of an improved radio transponder for two-way spacecraft tracking and a highly stable on-board oscillator for atmospheric occultation measurements. Planned gravity investigations include a combination of classical and modern elements. A spherical harmonic (or equivalent) field model of degree and order in the range 30-50 will be obtained, while interpretation will be in terms of internal stress and density models for the planet, using the topography to be obtained from the Mars Observer laser altimeter. Atmospheric investigations will emphasize precision measurement of the thermal structure and dynamics in the polar regions, which are regularly accessible as a result of the highly inclined orbit. Studies based on the measurements will include polar processes, cycling of the atmosphere between the poles, traveling baroclinic disturbances, small-scale waves and turbulence, the planetary boundary layer, and (possibly) the variability and altitude of the ionosphere.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Radio science investigations with Mars Observer 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 Radio science investigations with Mars Observer, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Radio science investigations with Mars Observer will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1518328