Science Objectives
The Mars Polar Lander will touch down on the southern polar layered terrain, between 74S and 78S, less than 1000 km from the south pole. The terrain appears to be composed of alternating layers of clean and dust-laden ice, and may represent a long-term record of the climate, as well as an important volatile reservoir. The mission has as its primary science objectives to: 1) record local meteorological conditions near the martian south pole, including temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, surface frost, ground ice evolution, ice fogs, haze, and suspended dust, 2) analyze samples of the polar deposits for volatiles, particularly water and carbon dioxide, 3) dig trenches and image the interior to look for seasonal layers and analyze soil samples for water, ice, hydrates, and other aqueously deposited minerals, 4) image the regional and immediate landing site surroundings for evidence of climate changes and seasonal cycles, and 5) obtain multi-spectral images of local regolith to determine soil types and composition. These goals will be accomplished using a number of scientific instruments, including a Mars Volatiles and Climate Surveyor (MVACS) instrument package which is comprised of a robotic arm and attached camera, mast-mounted surface stereo imager and meteorology package, and a gas analyzer. In addition, a Mars Descent Imager (MARDI) will capture regional views from parachute deployment at about 8 km altitude down to the landing. The Russian Space Agency will provide a laser ranger (LIDAR) package for the lander, which will be used to measure dust and haze in the Martian atmosphere. A miniature microphone will also be on board to record sounds on Mars. Attached to the lander spacecraft will be a pair of small probes, the Deep Space 2 Mars Microprobes, which will be deployed to fall and penetrate beneath the martian surface when the spacecraft reaches Mars.