Mars' plasma system. Scientific potential of coordinated multipoint missions: "The next generation"

Area of Science:

• Planetary Science
• Space Physics
• Aeronomy

Background:

• The Martian plasma system's dynamics, from surface to solar wind, remain incompletely understood.
• Previous exploration has not provided the necessary multi-point, high-resolution data to track system-wide processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline key open science questions regarding Mars's plasma environment.
• To propose coordinated multi-point mission strategies to address these gaps.
• To advance Mars exploration to the next generation of scientific inquiry.

Main Methods:

• Reviewing current knowledge gaps in Martian plasma dynamics.
• Defining critical science questions related to solar wind interaction, magnetospheric structure, atmospheric coupling, and space weather.
• Proposing mission concepts utilizing coordinated orbiting and ground-based platforms.

Main Results:

• Identified four primary science questions concerning solar wind driving, magnetotail structure, atmospheric coupling, and space weather monitoring.
• Highlighted the necessity of coordinated multi-point observations for comprehensive system analysis.
• Developed two mission concepts for future Mars exploration.

Conclusions:

• Coordinated multi-point missions are essential for a holistic understanding of the Martian plasma system.
• Addressing key science questions requires high temporal resolution and simultaneous measurements across different regions.
• Proposed mission concepts offer a pathway to solving current science gaps and advancing Mars exploration.