The Canadian Meteorology (MET) Package for the Phoenix Mars Lander

Paper number

IAC-06-A3.3.03

Author

Mr. Eric Choi, McDonald Dettwiller & Associates, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Michael G. Daly, MDA, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Jeff Tripp, Optech Incorporated, Canada

Coauthor

Dr. Robert Richards, Optech Incorporated, Canada

Coauthor

Dr. Nadeem Ghafoor, MDA, Canada

Coauthor

Dr. Christian Sallaberger, MDA, Canada

Year

2006

Abstract

In August 2003, NASA selected Phoenix as the first of its low-cost, science-driven missions under the Mars Scout program.  Scheduled for launch in 2007, Phoenix will land in the northern Vastitas Borealis region to assess the astrobiological potential at high latitudes.  In particular, it will verify the evidence of subsurface water ice detected by the gamma ray spectrometer aboard the Mars Odyssey orbiter.  Phoenix will also investigate the mineralogy and geochemistry of the soil and measure the properties of the atmosphere.
  
Canada’s contribution to the Phoenix mission will be the Meteorological (MET) package.  This system consists of a lidar to measure the location and extent of clouds and the distribution of scatterers in the atmosphere, as well as sensors for measuring pressure and temperature.  MET will provide Canadian scientists with a unique opportunity to study the atmosphere of Mars and enhance our understanding of the planet in key areas of Canadian expertise.  It will also contribute to scientific investigations that have been determined by MEPAG to be of crucial importance, namely: to determine the present distribution of water, carbon dioxide, and dust on Mars; to determine trends in the Martian climate; to determine the escape rates of atmospheric species, and; to measure the parameters that affect the atmosphere.

This paper summarizes the current status of MET development, provides details about the instrument, and describes Canada’s participation in the mission.

Abstract document

IAC-06-A3.3.03.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-A3.3.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.