Mars' surface radiation environment measured with the Mars Science Laboratory's Curiosity rover

Area of Science:

• Space Science
• Planetary Science
• Radiation Physics

Background:

• Galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic particles pose significant radiation hazards on the Martian surface.
• Understanding the radiation environment is crucial for assessing risks to human missions and the preservation of potential biosignatures.
• Previous data on Mars' surface radiation has been limited, especially during solar maximum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure and analyze the absorbed dose and dose equivalent from galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic particles on Mars.
• To provide critical data for modeling the subsurface radiation environment.
• To assess radiation hazards for future human exploration of Mars and implications for astrobiology.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) on the Mars Science Laboratory's Curiosity rover.
• Collecting detailed measurements of the radiation environment on the Martian surface.
• Analyzing approximately 300 days of observational data during the current solar maximum.

Main Results:

• Detailed measurements of absorbed dose and dose equivalent from cosmic rays and solar energetic particles were obtained.
• The data provides a comprehensive understanding of the radiation conditions on the Martian surface.
• The findings establish a baseline for subsurface radiation modeling.

Conclusions:

• The measured radiation levels offer crucial insights into the hazards for human missions to Mars.
• This data is vital for astrobiological studies, informing microbial survival times and the preservation of organic biosignatures.
• The findings contribute to a more complete picture of the Martian radiation environment.