The exploration of the Martian atmosphere has always presented a formidable challenge for scientists and researchers. However, recent technological advancements have led to a significant breakthrough, allowing scientists to investigate previously inaccessible regions of Mars’ atmosphere using repurposed technology.
A team of researchers from Imperial College London has successfully conducted measurements of parts of the Martian atmosphere that were previously unattainable. This includes areas that can obstruct radio signals, a crucial consideration for future Mars habitation missions.
The findings of the initial 83 measurements, analyzed by Imperial researchers and European Space Agency (ESA) colleagues across Europe, have been published today in the journal Radio Science.
The team accomplished this breakthrough by repurposing equipment on two spacecraft: ExoMars’ Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and Mars Express (MEX). These two crafts maintained a radio connection, enabling them to penetrate the deeper layers of the Martian atmosphere as one passed behind the planet. This innovative technique, known as mutual radio occultation, allowed scientists to determine the density of the lower atmosphere and the electron density in the ionosphere – a charged upper layer of the atmosphere.
Lead author of the study, Jacob Parrott, a Ph.D. student from the Department of Physics at Imperial, emphasized the significance of this innovative technique. “The systems on MEX and TGO were not initially designed for this purpose – the radio antennas we used were manufactured for communication between orbiters and rovers on the planet’s surface. We had to reprogram them while in flight to carry out this new science.”
Past methods of radio occultation on Mars involved a radio connection from a Mars orbiter to large ground stations on Earth, while the new technique using two orbiting crafts to take this measurement has proven to be a game-changer for future missions.
Dr. Colin Wilson, Project Scientist for the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter and Mars Express at ESA, highlighted that “ESA has now demonstrated the viability of this technique, which could be transformational for Mars science in the future.”
One of the primary advantages of spacecraft-to-spacecraft occultation is that it allows for a greater number of measurements to be taken and facilitates the investigation of new regions of the atmosphere. This technique also overcomes the constraints of traditional radio occultation, such as fixed measurement locations relative to Earth and the limitation of sampling near sunset and sunrise.
The successful implementation of this technique by the two ESA spacecraft signifies a significant milestone in the exploration of the Martian atmosphere. The scientists and engineers responsible for this work are now focused on expanding the use of this technique in future Mars missions to unravel more mysteries about the planet.
In conclusion, the advancements in technology and innovation have created new opportunities for exploring Mars. The successful measurement of previously uncharted territories in the Martian atmosphere through repurposed technology is a testament to the relentless efforts of scientists and researchers in unlocking the secrets of the cosmos. With more spacecraft orbiting Mars in the coming years, the potential for further discoveries in Martian science is promising.
-Provided by Imperial College London