Surface exploration of Mars

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•Launched June 2003

•Radar instrument (MARSIS) built at University of Iowa (Prof. D. Gurnett, P.I.)

•other instruments, including a small rover called “Beagle 2”

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MARS EXPRESS: Radar Experiment

• Radar reflection signal of water is very different from rock

• Echoes can differentiate between rock and ice or water

• Radar transmitter operates at 1-2 MHz and penetrates ground to several km depth

• Probably cannot distinguish between CO2 and H20.

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Mars Surface Exploration – the Future!

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Mars Surface Exploration – the Future!

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Future Mars Exploration: “Scout Missions”

• lightweight/efficient ballons

• fleet of small aircraft to explore Mars

• develop new technology

• also SAMPLE RETURNS

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Martian Outpost: 2030

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