Mars dynamics from Earth-based tracking of the Mars Pathfinder lander

被引:40
作者
Folkner, WM
Kahn, RD
Preston, RA
Yoder, CF
Standish, EM
Williams, JG
Edwards, CD
Hellings, RW
Eubanks, TM
Bills, BG
机构
[1] NASA, GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CTR, GREENBELT, MD 20771 USA
[2] USN OBSERV, WASHINGTON, DC 20392 USA
关键词
D O I
10.1029/96JE02125
中图分类号
P3 [地球物理学]; P59 [地球化学];
学科分类号
0708 ; 070902 ;
摘要
Measurements of Mars' rotational variations can be conducted via Earth-based radio tracking observations of the Mars Pathfinder lander during an extended mission. Two-way range measurements between an Earth tracking station and the lander will enable precise monitoring of the planet's orientation, allowing details of Mars' internal structure and global surface/atmosphere interactions to be determined. An analysis has been performed to investigate the accuracy with which key physical parameters of Mars can be determined using the Earth-based radio tracking measurements. Acquisition of such measurements over one Martian year should enable determination of Mars' polar moment of inertia to 1% or better, providing a strong constraint on radial density profiles (and hence on the iron content of the core and mantle) and on long-term variations of the obliquity, which influences the climate. Variations in Mars length of day and polar motion should also be detectable, and will yield information on the seasonal cycling of carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the surface.
引用
收藏
页码:4057 / 4064
页数:8
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