Physics
Scientific paper
Jul 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000came.work..263r&link_type=abstract
Concepts and Approaches for Mars Exploration, p. 263
Physics
Mars Exploration, Mission Planning, Mars Missions, Extraterrestrial Life, Mars Surveyor 98 Program, Snc Meteorites, Habitability, Mars Sample Return Missions, Fossils
Scientific paper
The high-level scientific goals and themes of the Mars Exploration Program place important requirements on the nature and architecture of the program. Choices at this level impact not only the particular sequence of missions to be flown, but also the program's saleability, the extent to which the planetary science community is engaged in the program, and the ultimate value of the program both to our understanding of Mars and as a survey tool for deciding whether humans should venture there. We briefly review the history of scientific interest in Mars, through to the inception of the Mars Surveyor Program (MSP). While the MSP began as a relatively broad-based investigation of Mars, the excitement surrounding the 'discovery' of life in the Martian meteorite ALH 84001 redirected the program onto a pathway almost singularly focused on searching for fossil (or even extent) life in returned samples. We support the notion that the question of life is the single most important theme in Martian exploration. However, we argue that the approach that has evolved in the MSP--and would govern missions to be flown beyond 2001--is overly focused. This threatens the utility of the program as a means of understanding the cause and context of life's absence or presence. The rush to a yes-or-no answer on life has also placed technical strain on the program, will ultimately disenfranchise a significant fraction of the scientific community, and will seriously limit the ability of the program to 'survey' the planet for future exploration.
Gaidos Eric J.
Richardson Mark I.
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