In this study, we present an innovative Mars Ionosphere-Thermosphere Model(MITM), which is a time-dependent, threedimensional(3-D) model that comprehensively represents the self-consistently coupled thermosphere and i...In this study, we present an innovative Mars Ionosphere-Thermosphere Model(MITM), which is a time-dependent, threedimensional(3-D) model that comprehensively represents the self-consistently coupled thermosphere and ionosphere of Mars within the altitude range of 70-300 km. The model incorporates an extensive range of parameters, including neutral number densities of CO_(2), CO,O, O_(2), N_(2), NO, N(^(2)D), N(^(4)S), Ar, and He;ion number densities of CO_(2)^(+), CO^(+), O^(+), O_(2)^(+), N_(2)^(+), NO^(+), N^(+) ions, and electrons;neutral temperature;and neutral wind fields. The MITM code employs a high-resolution grid system in a spherical geographical coordinate system, with a horizontal resolution of 5° latitude by 7.5° longitude. This altitude-resolved grid system enables accurate depiction of spatial variations in the Martian thermosphere and ionosphere. To showcase the capabilities of the MITM, we present two simulation cases: one during the equinox and another during the solstice. Both simulations reproduce key features of the Martian thermosphere and ionosphere including the characteristics of horizontal circulation, diurnal variations in chemical composition, and distribution of electron density. The MITM offers a robust framework for understanding the intricate interactions and processes that shape the Mars thermosphere and ionosphere,which are crucial for enhancing our understanding of Martian upper atmosphere and ionosphere.展开更多
We present analog clocks fitted to the Mars solar day.These clocks use the standard Earth-based second of the International System of Units(SI)as their operational unit of time,unlike current practice for Mars timekee...We present analog clocks fitted to the Mars solar day.These clocks use the standard Earth-based second of the International System of Units(SI)as their operational unit of time,unlike current practice for Mars timekeeping.We discuss the importance of preserving the SI second.On this basis,we identify the two analog clocks most suitable for public use by a future Mars population.These are a 20-hour clock with a hand motion similar to that of the standard Earth clock,and a 24-hour clock with a novel“Martian”hand motion which strikes the hour when all 3 hands converge onto that hour mark on the dial.Both clocks have Earth-day equivalents to assist learning.We also present a 24-hour“SpaceClock”,similar to the Martian clock but with no favored reference plane,hence equally readable from any viewing orientation.展开更多
The strong crustal magnetic fields significantly alter the structure of the Martian space environment,including all plasma boundaries.The stretches of mini-magnetospheres formed by crustal fields from the location of ...The strong crustal magnetic fields significantly alter the structure of the Martian space environment,including all plasma boundaries.The stretches of mini-magnetospheres formed by crustal fields from the location of the Martian bow shocks were first found from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN(MAVEN)observations.The present study aims to test whether this effect is also present in the shocks observed by Mars Express(MEX).We find that the bow shocks above the crustal field regions are enlarged,resulting in a north−south asymmetry and a longitude dependence in the shock size.The longitude dependence is more pronounced for near-subsolar shocks,and more dispersed for near-terminator shocks.The enlarged shocks are also observed to have shifted tailward from the longitudes of the strongest crustal fields.Due to a dawnside bias in MEX shock crossings,the enlarged shocks generally display a westward shift from the strongest crustal field region.These results confirm that stretches of the mini-magnetosphere are also present in the MEX shock observations.展开更多
The InSight mission has obtained seismic data from Mars,offering new insights into the planet’s internal structure and seismic activity.However,the raw data released to the public contain various sources of noise,suc...The InSight mission has obtained seismic data from Mars,offering new insights into the planet’s internal structure and seismic activity.However,the raw data released to the public contain various sources of noise,such as ticks and glitches,which hamper further seismological studies.This paper presents step-by-step processing of InSight’s Very Broad Band seismic data,focusing on the suppression and removal of non-seismic noise.The processing stages include tick noise removal,glitch signal suppression,multicomponent synchronization,instrument response correction,and rotation of orthogonal components.The processed datasets and associated codes are openly accessible and will support ongoing efforts to explore the geophysical properties of Mars and contribute to the broader field of planetary seismology.展开更多
Recurring Slope Lineae(RSL)are seasonally observed dark streaks on the Martian surface that exhibit distinct spatial and temporal distribution characteristics.Exploring their formation mechanisms can deepen our unders...Recurring Slope Lineae(RSL)are seasonally observed dark streaks on the Martian surface that exhibit distinct spatial and temporal distribution characteristics.Exploring their formation mechanisms can deepen our understanding of surface activity on Mars and provide scientific basis for future Mars exploration.This study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and formation mechanisms of RSL by reviewing relevant literature and synthesizing various viewpoints and experimental results.RSL typically appear during warm seasons,disappear during cold seasons,and repeat over multiple Martian years.The formation mechanisms can be broadly categorized into three types:dry mode,wet mode,and mixed mode.However,a definitive explanation for the formation of RSL is still lacking,and both the dry and wet models have their respective limitations.It is likely that the formation of RSL is the result of the combined action of multiple mechanisms.The next step should be to search for terrestrial analogs of RSL and conduct research at high spatial and temporal resolutions to understand the forming processes of RSL.展开更多
Hot flow anomalies(HFAs)are not only a terrestrial phenomenon,but also a solar-system-wide phenomenon,one that can cause significant perturbations in planetary magnetospheres and ionospheres.In this study,based on the...Hot flow anomalies(HFAs)are not only a terrestrial phenomenon,but also a solar-system-wide phenomenon,one that can cause significant perturbations in planetary magnetospheres and ionospheres.In this study,based on the observations of Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN(MAVEN)mission in the region upstream of the Martian bow shock from the year 2014 to 2020,we have investigated the statistical properties of HFAs around Mars.Our results show that HFAs can be found in a wide region of Mars,from the dayside to the terminator region.On average,these HFAs last 63 seconds,with a thickness of 28 local proton gyroradii.They are more prevalent when the ambient solar wind is denser and faster,and usually occur when the interplanetary magnetic field magnitude is between 1-4 nT.Martian HFAs can also lead to solar wind dynamics multiplying in pressure by factors of ten within only tens of seconds,which could significantly influence the heights of the Martian ionopause and induced magnetosphere boundary.By comparing HFAs around Earth,we suggest that these phenomena are primarily governed by solar wind dynamics rather than local planetary conditions.展开更多
The polar layered deposits(PLD) of Mars can provide deep insight into paleoclimate changes over the planet's last several million years. Since the 1960s, researchers have studied almost all aspects of Martian PLD ...The polar layered deposits(PLD) of Mars can provide deep insight into paleoclimate changes over the planet's last several million years. Since the 1960s, researchers have studied almost all aspects of Martian PLD properties, searching for patterns that might reveal periodic characteristics of the planet's climate history. Although much progress has been made in our understanding of orbital periodicities reflected in the PLD, questions remain regarding how Martian orbital changes have affected the formation of the PLD and regarding the extent of climate information that is recorded in the PLD. Future studies of PLD should be carried out via integrated research that targets multi-profiles throughout the entire Martian polar regions that would clarify their general features at the hemisphere scale. Numerical modeling, coupled with modern observations of dust and water vapor transportation, should greatly advance our understanding of planetary climate evolution. Furthermore, future landing missions may help to clarify the paleoclimatic characteristics reflected in the PLD by drilling into these layered deposits and measuring mineralogical and geochemical compositions of the drilled samples.展开更多
1 A possible ancient shoreline has been found in the region of Mars explored by the Chinese rover,Zhurong,providing further evidence that an ocean may once have covered a vast area of the lowlands in the planet's ...1 A possible ancient shoreline has been found in the region of Mars explored by the Chinese rover,Zhurong,providing further evidence that an ocean may once have covered a vast area of the lowlands in the planet's northern part.2 The rover landed in southern Utopia Planitia in May 2021 and remained active for almost a year.Researchers studying data from the rover have found clues of an ancient ocean or liquid water as recently as 400,000 years ago.展开更多
Rapid and reliable onboard optimization of bank angle profiles is crucial for mitigating uncertainties during Mars atmospheric entry.This paper presents a neural-network-accelerated methodology for optimizing parametr...Rapid and reliable onboard optimization of bank angle profiles is crucial for mitigating uncertainties during Mars atmospheric entry.This paper presents a neural-network-accelerated methodology for optimizing parametric bank angle profiles in Mars atmospheric entry missions.The methodology includes a universal approach to handling path constraints and a reliable solution method based on the Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO)algorithm.For illustrative purposes,a mission with the objective of maximizing terminal altitude is considered.The original entry optimization problem is converted into optimizing three coefficients for the bank angle profiles with terminal constraints by formulating a parametric Mars entry bank angle profile and constraint handling methods.The parameter optimization problem is addressed using the PSO algorithm,with reliability enhanced by increasing the PSO swarm size.To improve computational efficiency,an enhanced Deep Operator Network(Deep ONet)is used as a dynamics solver to predict terminal states under various bank angle profiles rapidly.Numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed methodology ensures reliable convergence with a sufficiently large PSO swarm while maintaining high computational efficiency facilitated by the neural-network-based dynamics solver.Compared to the existing methodologies,this methodology offers a streamlined process,the reduced sensitivity to initial guesses,and the improved computational efficiency.展开更多
In response to the need for a supportive on-orbit platform for future Mars exploration missions,this paper proposes the design and implementation of an autonomous spacecraft formation flying system near the Martian sy...In response to the need for a supportive on-orbit platform for future Mars exploration missions,this paper proposes the design and implementation of an autonomous spacecraft formation flying system near the Martian synchronous orbit using fuzzy learning-based intelligent control.A detailed analysis of spacecraft relative motion in the Mars environment is conducted,deducing the necessary conditions to reach the Martian synchronous orbit constraints.The modified Clohessy-Wiltshire(C-W)equation with Martian J_(2)(Oblateness index)perturbation is used as a reference to design a fuzzy learning-based intelligent and robust nonlinear control approach,which helps to autonomously track the desired formation configuration and stabilizes it.An introduction to spacecraft propulsion mechanisms is provided to analyze the feasibility of using electrical thrusters for spacecraft formation configuration tracking and stabilization in Martian synchronous orbits.The simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed control system for long-term on-orbit operations and reveal its reliability for designing intelligent deep-space formation flying configurations,such as an autonomous Mars observatory,a Martian telescope,or an interferometer.展开更多
A brief concept study of a modular research aircraft with potential applications to Mars exploration is conducted.Considered are dimensional and mass constraints of a launch vehicle payload compartment,mission radius ...A brief concept study of a modular research aircraft with potential applications to Mars exploration is conducted.Considered are dimensional and mass constraints of a launch vehicle payload compartment,mission radius extension applying ground mobility and overall flight envelope extension using fixed-wing aerodynamics.Also,some lessons learned from NASA Mars Ingenuity flights are considered and addressed with few solutions.The modular system includes a fixed-wing design along with a number of smaller autonomous quadcopter UAVs,encapsulated inside a geodesic spherical support through a gimbal mechanism for ground mobility.Analyzed is the feasibility of allocating to these mini drones both scout and mapping tasks of complex terrain such as crater walls,canyons and cave systems that might hold key insights into the planet's geologic history.Once docked with the mothership fixed wing,the mini drones serve as a distributed propulsion system,for vertical take-off and landing and control,completely replacing control surfaces on the flying wing itself,its engine and landing gear.CFD and structural simulations have demonstrated the flight-ability in Mars conditions of a flying wing design along with scout drone prototypes with a pentagon-hexagon geodesic shell.Also demonstrated is the great flexibility of the suggested modular approach for various research applications and mission profiles on Mars and other planets or moons,improving overall reliability and mission radius.展开更多
基金This work is supported by the B-type Strategic Priority Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. XDB4100000)the pre-research Project on Civil Aerospace Technologies No. D020105 funded by CNSAthe Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant XDA17010404, XDA17010201)。
文摘In this study, we present an innovative Mars Ionosphere-Thermosphere Model(MITM), which is a time-dependent, threedimensional(3-D) model that comprehensively represents the self-consistently coupled thermosphere and ionosphere of Mars within the altitude range of 70-300 km. The model incorporates an extensive range of parameters, including neutral number densities of CO_(2), CO,O, O_(2), N_(2), NO, N(^(2)D), N(^(4)S), Ar, and He;ion number densities of CO_(2)^(+), CO^(+), O^(+), O_(2)^(+), N_(2)^(+), NO^(+), N^(+) ions, and electrons;neutral temperature;and neutral wind fields. The MITM code employs a high-resolution grid system in a spherical geographical coordinate system, with a horizontal resolution of 5° latitude by 7.5° longitude. This altitude-resolved grid system enables accurate depiction of spatial variations in the Martian thermosphere and ionosphere. To showcase the capabilities of the MITM, we present two simulation cases: one during the equinox and another during the solstice. Both simulations reproduce key features of the Martian thermosphere and ionosphere including the characteristics of horizontal circulation, diurnal variations in chemical composition, and distribution of electron density. The MITM offers a robust framework for understanding the intricate interactions and processes that shape the Mars thermosphere and ionosphere,which are crucial for enhancing our understanding of Martian upper atmosphere and ionosphere.
文摘We present analog clocks fitted to the Mars solar day.These clocks use the standard Earth-based second of the International System of Units(SI)as their operational unit of time,unlike current practice for Mars timekeeping.We discuss the importance of preserving the SI second.On this basis,we identify the two analog clocks most suitable for public use by a future Mars population.These are a 20-hour clock with a hand motion similar to that of the standard Earth clock,and a 24-hour clock with a novel“Martian”hand motion which strikes the hour when all 3 hands converge onto that hour mark on the dial.Both clocks have Earth-day equivalents to assist learning.We also present a 24-hour“SpaceClock”,similar to the Martian clock but with no favored reference plane,hence equally readable from any viewing orientation.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2022YFF0503204)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42388101)+3 种基金Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS(2020065)Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship Program by CAST(YESS20200152)the Key Research Program of the Institute of Geology&Geophysics,CAS(IGGCAS-202102)the Key Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant ZDB-SSW-TLC00103).
文摘The strong crustal magnetic fields significantly alter the structure of the Martian space environment,including all plasma boundaries.The stretches of mini-magnetospheres formed by crustal fields from the location of the Martian bow shocks were first found from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN(MAVEN)observations.The present study aims to test whether this effect is also present in the shocks observed by Mars Express(MEX).We find that the bow shocks above the crustal field regions are enlarged,resulting in a north−south asymmetry and a longitude dependence in the shock size.The longitude dependence is more pronounced for near-subsolar shocks,and more dispersed for near-terminator shocks.The enlarged shocks are also observed to have shifted tailward from the longitudes of the strongest crustal fields.Due to a dawnside bias in MEX shock crossings,the enlarged shocks generally display a westward shift from the strongest crustal field region.These results confirm that stretches of the mini-magnetosphere are also present in the MEX shock observations.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Nos.2022YFF 0503203 and 2024YFF0809900)the Research Funds of the Institute of Geophysics,China Earthquake Administration(No.DQJB24X28)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42474226 and 42441827).
文摘The InSight mission has obtained seismic data from Mars,offering new insights into the planet’s internal structure and seismic activity.However,the raw data released to the public contain various sources of noise,such as ticks and glitches,which hamper further seismological studies.This paper presents step-by-step processing of InSight’s Very Broad Band seismic data,focusing on the suppression and removal of non-seismic noise.The processing stages include tick noise removal,glitch signal suppression,multicomponent synchronization,instrument response correction,and rotation of orthogonal components.The processed datasets and associated codes are openly accessible and will support ongoing efforts to explore the geophysical properties of Mars and contribute to the broader field of planetary seismology.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation(No.42272340).
文摘Recurring Slope Lineae(RSL)are seasonally observed dark streaks on the Martian surface that exhibit distinct spatial and temporal distribution characteristics.Exploring their formation mechanisms can deepen our understanding of surface activity on Mars and provide scientific basis for future Mars exploration.This study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and formation mechanisms of RSL by reviewing relevant literature and synthesizing various viewpoints and experimental results.RSL typically appear during warm seasons,disappear during cold seasons,and repeat over multiple Martian years.The formation mechanisms can be broadly categorized into three types:dry mode,wet mode,and mixed mode.However,a definitive explanation for the formation of RSL is still lacking,and both the dry and wet models have their respective limitations.It is likely that the formation of RSL is the result of the combined action of multiple mechanisms.The next step should be to search for terrestrial analogs of RSL and conduct research at high spatial and temporal resolutions to understand the forming processes of RSL.
基金supported by NSFC grants 42274219,42330207,42374213 and 42130204Shenzhen Key Laboratory Launching Project(No.ZDSYS20210702140800001)+1 种基金supported by Frontier Science Center of matter behave in space environmentthe support of the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2022YFA1604600).
文摘Hot flow anomalies(HFAs)are not only a terrestrial phenomenon,but also a solar-system-wide phenomenon,one that can cause significant perturbations in planetary magnetospheres and ionospheres.In this study,based on the observations of Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN(MAVEN)mission in the region upstream of the Martian bow shock from the year 2014 to 2020,we have investigated the statistical properties of HFAs around Mars.Our results show that HFAs can be found in a wide region of Mars,from the dayside to the terminator region.On average,these HFAs last 63 seconds,with a thickness of 28 local proton gyroradii.They are more prevalent when the ambient solar wind is denser and faster,and usually occur when the interplanetary magnetic field magnitude is between 1-4 nT.Martian HFAs can also lead to solar wind dynamics multiplying in pressure by factors of ten within only tens of seconds,which could significantly influence the heights of the Martian ionopause and induced magnetosphere boundary.By comparing HFAs around Earth,we suggest that these phenomena are primarily governed by solar wind dynamics rather than local planetary conditions.
基金supported financially by the Key Research Program of the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, CAS (Grant No. IGGCAS-202102 and IGGCAS-201905)。
文摘The polar layered deposits(PLD) of Mars can provide deep insight into paleoclimate changes over the planet's last several million years. Since the 1960s, researchers have studied almost all aspects of Martian PLD properties, searching for patterns that might reveal periodic characteristics of the planet's climate history. Although much progress has been made in our understanding of orbital periodicities reflected in the PLD, questions remain regarding how Martian orbital changes have affected the formation of the PLD and regarding the extent of climate information that is recorded in the PLD. Future studies of PLD should be carried out via integrated research that targets multi-profiles throughout the entire Martian polar regions that would clarify their general features at the hemisphere scale. Numerical modeling, coupled with modern observations of dust and water vapor transportation, should greatly advance our understanding of planetary climate evolution. Furthermore, future landing missions may help to clarify the paleoclimatic characteristics reflected in the PLD by drilling into these layered deposits and measuring mineralogical and geochemical compositions of the drilled samples.
文摘1 A possible ancient shoreline has been found in the region of Mars explored by the Chinese rover,Zhurong,providing further evidence that an ocean may once have covered a vast area of the lowlands in the planet's northern part.2 The rover landed in southern Utopia Planitia in May 2021 and remained active for almost a year.Researchers studying data from the rover have found clues of an ancient ocean or liquid water as recently as 400,000 years ago.
基金supported in part by the National Defense Basic Scientific Research Program of China(No.JCKY2021603B030)the Shenzhen Fundamental Research Program,China(No.JCYJ20220818102601004)the Science Center Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.62188101)。
文摘Rapid and reliable onboard optimization of bank angle profiles is crucial for mitigating uncertainties during Mars atmospheric entry.This paper presents a neural-network-accelerated methodology for optimizing parametric bank angle profiles in Mars atmospheric entry missions.The methodology includes a universal approach to handling path constraints and a reliable solution method based on the Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO)algorithm.For illustrative purposes,a mission with the objective of maximizing terminal altitude is considered.The original entry optimization problem is converted into optimizing three coefficients for the bank angle profiles with terminal constraints by formulating a parametric Mars entry bank angle profile and constraint handling methods.The parameter optimization problem is addressed using the PSO algorithm,with reliability enhanced by increasing the PSO swarm size.To improve computational efficiency,an enhanced Deep Operator Network(Deep ONet)is used as a dynamics solver to predict terminal states under various bank angle profiles rapidly.Numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed methodology ensures reliable convergence with a sufficiently large PSO swarm while maintaining high computational efficiency facilitated by the neural-network-based dynamics solver.Compared to the existing methodologies,this methodology offers a streamlined process,the reduced sensitivity to initial guesses,and the improved computational efficiency.
基金supported by the National Laboratory of Space Intelligent Control(No.HTKJ2023KL502007)the Chinese Government Scholarship(CSC)。
文摘In response to the need for a supportive on-orbit platform for future Mars exploration missions,this paper proposes the design and implementation of an autonomous spacecraft formation flying system near the Martian synchronous orbit using fuzzy learning-based intelligent control.A detailed analysis of spacecraft relative motion in the Mars environment is conducted,deducing the necessary conditions to reach the Martian synchronous orbit constraints.The modified Clohessy-Wiltshire(C-W)equation with Martian J_(2)(Oblateness index)perturbation is used as a reference to design a fuzzy learning-based intelligent and robust nonlinear control approach,which helps to autonomously track the desired formation configuration and stabilizes it.An introduction to spacecraft propulsion mechanisms is provided to analyze the feasibility of using electrical thrusters for spacecraft formation configuration tracking and stabilization in Martian synchronous orbits.The simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed control system for long-term on-orbit operations and reveal its reliability for designing intelligent deep-space formation flying configurations,such as an autonomous Mars observatory,a Martian telescope,or an interferometer.
基金funded by the Russian Science Foundation(No.22–49-02047)。
文摘A brief concept study of a modular research aircraft with potential applications to Mars exploration is conducted.Considered are dimensional and mass constraints of a launch vehicle payload compartment,mission radius extension applying ground mobility and overall flight envelope extension using fixed-wing aerodynamics.Also,some lessons learned from NASA Mars Ingenuity flights are considered and addressed with few solutions.The modular system includes a fixed-wing design along with a number of smaller autonomous quadcopter UAVs,encapsulated inside a geodesic spherical support through a gimbal mechanism for ground mobility.Analyzed is the feasibility of allocating to these mini drones both scout and mapping tasks of complex terrain such as crater walls,canyons and cave systems that might hold key insights into the planet's geologic history.Once docked with the mothership fixed wing,the mini drones serve as a distributed propulsion system,for vertical take-off and landing and control,completely replacing control surfaces on the flying wing itself,its engine and landing gear.CFD and structural simulations have demonstrated the flight-ability in Mars conditions of a flying wing design along with scout drone prototypes with a pentagon-hexagon geodesic shell.Also demonstrated is the great flexibility of the suggested modular approach for various research applications and mission profiles on Mars and other planets or moons,improving overall reliability and mission radius.
