NASA has released a new document highlighting a programmatic paradigm shift in Mars exploration plans over the next 20 years.
This program was prepared for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate Mars Exploration Plan (MEP).
The title of the report is “Expanding the horizons of Mars science: Mars Sustainable Science Plan-Mars Exploration Plan 2024-2044.”
core issues
The document highlights several “paradigm shift” prospects to further address several core issues, including:
How has the habitability of Mars evolved over its history?
did There was life on Marsif so, does it still exist today?
Related: Life on Mars: Exploration and Evidence
The document also looks at low-cost missions to Mars. Commercial services, human exploration of the Red Planet and international Mars ambitions were also flagged as paradigm shifts.
“NASA is no longer one of the few nations focused on Mars exploration,” the report states.
new and different models
“To maintain its position as a pioneer in Mars exploration, MEP must adopt a new and different model: one that can affordably and achievably send more, more frequent missions to Mars while developing a diverse talent pool and Engagement.
The report defines “low-cost mission” as approximately $100 million to $300 million, excluding launch vehicles and mission operations.
The cost of an “intermediate strategic mission” is approximately $1 billion to $2 billion, excluding launch vehicles and mission operations.
Partners
As for leveraging commercial services, the report notes that joint exploration of Mars “through new models of collaboration with international, business and academic communities” is critical.
This paradigm shift will be modeled after other innovative public-private partnership solutions such as NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) and Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) efforts.
life on mars
this looking for life Landing on Mars remains a major undertaking, according to a new report.
“Current life or any potential oases Preserving ancient life The documents note that these areas are likely to be located in historically more difficult-to-access terrain.
Meanwhile, there are other places that offer conditions that may be conducive to life, such as underground (including caves, subsurface ice deposits and volcanic environments), “where suitable chemical and environmental conditions may enable life to take hold,” the report adds.
However, given the prospects boots on marsNASA’s Mars Exploration Plan “The chances of finding life in a pristine Martian environment are slim, as human exploration may not be possible until the late 2030s at the earliest, and continued moon”.
Challenge conventional thinking
Eric Ianson, director of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, noted in the report that there is a need to “challenge conventional thinking and find new, creative solutions to explore Mars.”
Ianson said this could include “pursuing low-cost scientific research, enhancing infrastructure around Mars, pursuing new enabling technologies and creating an environment that expands participation in Mars exploration.”
You can read the new report here.