The Mars Global Surveyor missions scheduled for the launch opportunities in 2003 and 2005 are not well defined at this time. Possibilities for a Mars sample return as early as the 2003 mission are being discussed, and a sample return is already planned for the 2005 mission. The focus of these missions depends heavily on further findings concerning evidence of life on martian meteorites and results of preceding Mars missions.
Mars Surveyor 2003
Launch Period
May/June 2003
Orbiter
Communications
Lander/Rover
- 10 km traverse, sample acquisition, search for organic materials, signs of past or extant life.
- The lander will contain an imaging system, radiation monitors, and instrumentation to study physical and chemical properties of the soil.
- The rover will have an imaging system, a sampling arm, rock and soil acquisition and storage area, and experiments to study the mineralogy and chemical properties of rocks and soils.
Mars Surveyor 2005
Launch Period
July/August 2005
Orbiter
Communications
Lander
- Sample acquisition and return. The 2005 mission will touch down near the Mars Surveyor 2001 or 2003 landing site and samples previously collected and stored by the rover will be gathered and returned by this mission.
- The lander includes a sample collection and storage area and a return vehicle and ascent system.