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Completed TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 5)
Local scale magnetic maps of Mars are important for understanding Mars’ geologic history, the distribution of ionizing radiation on the surface, and for characterizing the subsurface. Such maps will be best produced via aerial surveys. We propose technology to prepare for such surveys. Specifically, we propose miniaturization of existing fluxgate magnetometers, investigating COTS sensors for science use, surveying current best practices for accommodation of magnetometers onto aerial vehicles, and conducting magnetic characterizations of prototype aerial vehicles.
Our proposed work is directly relevant to the Mars Exploration Program’s (MEP) science and exploration objectives and the associated MEP’s technology plan needs. These objectives and technology needs are laid out in the Exploring Mars Together (EMT) plan which in turn derives from the Decadal Survey and MEPAG goals. Our specific science and exploration objectives are broadly described as 1) Understanding the geological history of Mars, 2) Understanding the effects of mini-magnetospheres on radiation on the surface of Mars, and 3) Characterizing the subsurface structure of Mars at local and regional scales.
Our proposed work for FY25 include 4 major objectives:
For all these science and exploration objectives, the appropriate technology is needed as discussed in the EMT plan. Our proposed work, as detailed in section 3-5, is directly relevant to EMT’s Initiative 3.2 “Aerial Mobility, …” and supports EMT Initiative 3.3 “Subsurface Access”. By accomplishing our proposed work, we would support the MEP in being ready to conduct scientifically important magnetic aerial surveys that also have important exploration outcomes such as identifying plausible locations for human habitation.
Geological History of Mars. The crustal magnetic fields were created when the magnetic field from a planet-scale dynamo was imprinted on magnetically susceptible rocks prior to dynamo cessation. Because of this, the crustal magnetic fields are important observations for understanding martian planetary evolution as tectonic, volcanic, and/or cratering events altered/erased the magnetic signature in the processed crust. These all relate to the EMT’s Science Theme 3 “Discover Dynamic Mars” and all its subthemes. Maps from orbital altitudes have yielded very important first steps but are limited in spatial resolution which limits their interpretative capability. A magnetic mapping survey done near the surface across a regional scale would dramatically increase our understanding of tectonics, volcanism, and water alteration in the region. Such a survey would be best accomplished by an aerial platform.
Mini-magnetospheres and Radiation. The strong crustal magnetic fields at Mars also have important impacts on the distribution of high-energy radiation (e.g. Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs)) on the martian surface. Ionized particles, such as SEPs, have their trajectories altered in the presence of magnetic fields. Preliminary calculations suggest that the crustal magnetic fields should alter the trajectories of SEPs by a few km away from where the SEPs would have otherwise landed. This suggests that there could be optimal and suboptimal locations for human and robotic safety within a few km of each other on the martian surface. However, our maps of the crustal magnetic fields all derive from observations from orbital altitudes which means that the localized spatial knowledge is of order tens of km at best. This means that we cannot know the distribution of radiation on the surface of Mars without local scale magnetic observations. An aerial survey would be the ideal way to make these magnetic field observations at scales of km. These results would be relevant to EMT Science Theme 2 “Support Human Exploration of Mars.”
Subsurface Surveys. A variety of science targets lie in the subsurface including the global/regional/local stratigraphy, mineral concentrations, potential aquifers, and potential void spaces (e.g. caves). A specific, local scale scenario is the usage of a magnetic survey to detect and characterize sub-surface voids (e.g. lava tubes). Lava tubes are of particular importance because they provide shelter from radiation and extreme temperature fluctuations and are thus potential locations for future human habitats. Terrestrial analog field work confirms that lava tubes are magnetically detectable under a variety of conditions. Crustal magnetic field signatures exist in regions of hypothesized lava tubes and this suggests that similar detections should be achievable at Mars. A local-scale, aerial survey would be an ideal way of accomplishing this. Such results would be relevant to EMT Science Themes 2 “Support Human Exploration of Mars” and Science Theme 1.2.1 “Physical Access to the Subsurface”.
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