Science Objectives
The Orbiter has as its primary science objectives to: 1) monitor the daily weather and atmospheric conditions; 2) record changes on the martian surface due to wind and other atmospheric effects; 3) determine temperature profiles of the atmosphere; 4) monitor the water vapor and dust content of the atmosphere and 5) look for evidence of past climate change. Specifically it will observe and study dust storms, weather systems, clouds and dust hazes, ozone, distribution and transport of dust and water, the effects of topography on atmospheric circulation, atmospheric response to solar heating, and surface features, wind streaks, erosion, and color changes. The orbiter will use two instruments to carry out these investigations. The Mars Climate Orbiter Color Imager (MARCI) will acquire daily atmospheric weather images and high resolution surface images and the Pressure Modulated Infrared Radiometer (PMIRR) will allow measurement of the atmospheric temperature, water vapor abundance, and dust concentration. The orbiter will also serve as a data relay satellite for the Mars Polar Lander and other future NASA and international lander missions to Mars.