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Martian polar expeditions: problems and solutions.

C S Cockell1

  • 1British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK. csco@bas.ac.uk

Acta Astronautica
|November 29, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Human polar exploration of Mars is feasible, requiring specialized equipment like Martian polar "ball" tents and modified Nansen sledges for traversing icy terrains. This research proposes novel gear for future Martian polar expeditions.

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Area of Science:

  • Planetary Science
  • Astrobiology
  • Space Exploration Engineering

Background:

  • Martian polar ice caps are dynamic volatile sinks, crucial for understanding Martian climate.
  • Past Earth polar exploration provides a precedent for future human missions to Mars' poles.
  • Establishing lower-latitude support structures will precede Martian polar exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose novel equipment for human polar exploration of Mars.
  • To outline a reference expedition for a transpolar assault on the Martian north pole.
  • To address challenges associated with Martian polar expeditions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing a "spiral in-spiral out" unsupported transpolar route as a reference expedition.
  • Proposing innovative equipment designs, including Martian polar "ball" tents.
  • Suggesting modifications to Nansen sledges for traversing CO2-ice substrates.

Main Results:

  • Novel equipment concepts are presented for Martian polar exploration.
  • The feasibility of unsupported transpolar expeditions is explored.
  • Key challenges for human polar missions are quantitatively and qualitatively assessed.

Conclusions:

  • Specialized equipment, such as polar "ball" tents and hover-modified Nansen sledges, is essential for successful Martian polar exploration.
  • Future expeditions will likely launch from established bases, with polar exploration following initial infrastructure development.
  • The proposed equipment and expedition model offer a pathway for future human endeavors at the Martian poles.

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