2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
[MIS18-04] Evaluation of Deployment Sites for Drop-Type Observation Penetrators on Mars and Comparison of Surface Geology in Surrounding Areas
Keywords:Penetrator, Mars seismology, Subsurface water exploration
One of the methods for atmospheric entry, descent, and landing (EDL) is an penetrator technology. The penetrator is a pencil-shaped spacecraft equipped with scientific payloads, which is released from orbit and penetrates the surface to install the instruments. This method provides considerable benefits in terms of attitude control and deceleration when used on celestial bodies with atmospheres, allowing for the deployment of observation instruments even in locations that are difficult for human installation, such as Mars.
For the deployment of a penetrator on Mars, it is equipped with an aeroshell heat shield, allowing it to penetrate the surface at a speed of approximately 50 m/s. This speed is sufficient to ensure the penetrator reaches the Martian surface and successfully deploy the instruments. Since it is deployed from an orbiter, it offers a cost-effective method for deploying multiple instruments across a wide area compared to other landing techniques.
For the selection of penetrator installation sites on Mars, scientifically valuable regions are considered as candidate landing site. Specifically, based on seismological data obtained from the Mars seismic exploration mission InSight, regions with active seismic and volcanic activity can be identified as candidate sites. For example, regions such as the central Elysium Planitia and Tharsis, where active seismic activity has been recorded, are crucial for deepening our understanding of Mars' internal structure and geological processes. Additionally, the installation of penetrators in regions where meteorite impacts have naturally exposed subsurface ice or permafrost terrain may provide valuable insights into the exploration of underground ice and other resources. The mid-latitude northern hemisphere is considered a promising region for such exploration.
In this presentation will introduce the basic installation method of penetrator technology, followed by an introduction of candidate sites derived from seismological insights from the Mars seismic exploration project InSight. We will investigate findings from subsurface water exploration in impact craters and permafrost regions, focusing on the mid-latitude northern hemisphere, and compare surface geology in these areas. By this approach, we will examine the potential of Martian observations and explore how penetrator technology can contribute to advancing our understanding of planetary exploration.
For the deployment of a penetrator on Mars, it is equipped with an aeroshell heat shield, allowing it to penetrate the surface at a speed of approximately 50 m/s. This speed is sufficient to ensure the penetrator reaches the Martian surface and successfully deploy the instruments. Since it is deployed from an orbiter, it offers a cost-effective method for deploying multiple instruments across a wide area compared to other landing techniques.
For the selection of penetrator installation sites on Mars, scientifically valuable regions are considered as candidate landing site. Specifically, based on seismological data obtained from the Mars seismic exploration mission InSight, regions with active seismic and volcanic activity can be identified as candidate sites. For example, regions such as the central Elysium Planitia and Tharsis, where active seismic activity has been recorded, are crucial for deepening our understanding of Mars' internal structure and geological processes. Additionally, the installation of penetrators in regions where meteorite impacts have naturally exposed subsurface ice or permafrost terrain may provide valuable insights into the exploration of underground ice and other resources. The mid-latitude northern hemisphere is considered a promising region for such exploration.
In this presentation will introduce the basic installation method of penetrator technology, followed by an introduction of candidate sites derived from seismological insights from the Mars seismic exploration project InSight. We will investigate findings from subsurface water exploration in impact craters and permafrost regions, focusing on the mid-latitude northern hemisphere, and compare surface geology in these areas. By this approach, we will examine the potential of Martian observations and explore how penetrator technology can contribute to advancing our understanding of planetary exploration.