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At least 379 records · Page 21

JPSS-3 VIIRS Version 2 at-Launch Relative Spectral Response Characterization

The JPSS-3 VIIRS sensor has completed its pre-launch test program including measurements for characterizing the VIIRS relative spectral response (RSR) in support of the Sensor and Environmental Data Records (SDR and EDR, resp.) that will be generated from VIIRS on-orbit observations. Government team subject matter experts of the VIIRS DAWG have analyzed the VIIRS spectral measurements and produced the VIIRS spectral characterization, in the form of band-average and supporting detector level RSR for each VIIRS band. The characterization is based upon the analysis of independent SpMA dual monochromator (all bands) and GSFC GLAMR laser system (reflectance bands only) spectral measurements. The SpMA and GLAMR measurements for reflectance bands (DNB LGS and MGS, I1-I3, M1-M11) were combined to produce a “fused” RSR. For emissive bands (I4, I5, M12-M16), the SpMA measurements provide the characterization. The effort has led to the VIIRS Version 2 RSR release, the official at-launch RSR characterization for the JPSS-3 VIIRS mission. The JPSS-3 RSR are a close match to those of JPSS-2. An assessment on compliance with spectral performance metrics finds that VIIRS band-average RSR are compliant on nearly all metrics, with only a single minor exception. The Version 2 RSR release is available under EAR99 restrictions to the science community on the restricted access NASA Sharepoint.

Chris Moeller↗

Analysis of faults and pit chains in Noctis Labyrinthus: Implications for early extension and possible magmatic plumbing

Noctis Labyrinthus has been a region of disputed origin due to its complexity and poor understanding of how various processes and mechanisms may have combined to form it. The surface is an integrated record of intensive tectonic activity expressed by a multiple extended sets of dip-slip faults oriented in different directions, and thought to have acted on this region over its history. These faults are always coalescent to pits and pit chains displaying a complicated geological history in the region. To understand this geological history, we mapped the surface features in Noctis Labyrinthus using the High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) onboard Mars Express ND2 nadir channel basemaps, and we adapted the Digital Terrain Map (DTM) from the Mission Experiment Gridded Data Record (MEGDR) of Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) onboard Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) for the topography. We have investigated the spatial distribution and trend of fault systems, the pit chains' morphology, and the correlation between these two types of features. Our results show three fault systems: i) NS and NNE-SSW, ii) EW and ENE-WSW, and iii) NNW-SSE and NW. The analysis of the faults trending, cross-cutting correlation and the superimposition led to identify multiple intersections between these faults that have been alongside with the reactivations of some inherited faults. We interpreted the first system of fault to be related to coeval lateral extension, generated by regional stress tensor, which is probably related to the slight bending of Valles Marineris within two phases of bidirectional extension. The second system of faults has been generated by the radial oblate stress tensor related to the formation of the small shield volcanoes in Syria Planum. However, the third system is likely related to the external driving process, probably in the Tharsis province. We classified pits in four evolutionary stages based on their morphometric attributes. We believe that the formation of the pit chains in Noctis Labyrinthus is related to a surface collapse after a pressure drop related to the magma chamber deflation associated with Syria Planum volcanic province. We propose a deformational model based on early extension and magmatic plumbing as driving processes for the formation of Noctis Labyrinthus.

Mayssa El Yazidi↗

Tidal Tomography Reveals a Thermal Anomaly Beneath Mars’s Crustal Dichotomy

Mars undergoes seasonal tidal forcing as a result of its eccentric orbit and the tilt of its rotation axis relative to the Sun1. Response to this forcing produces temporal variations in the Martian gravity field and is sensitive to the internal structure of the planet2,3,4. Using tracking data from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), Mars Odyssey (ODY) and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) spacecraft5,6,7, we demonstrate that degree-3 components of the time-variable gravity field of Mars differ by up to 300% from predictions for a spherically symmetric planet8,9,10. These deviations can be explained if the effective shear modulus of the mantle varies by >20% over a roughly north–south pattern that closely aligns with the surface expression of the Martian crustal dichotomy11. On the basis of this correlation, we infer preservation of a 200–400 °C thermal anomaly in the present-day mantle below the southern highlands of Mars. This temperature variation could reflect regional mantle convection12,13 or insulation by the thick southern highlands crust of Mars that has persisted over several billion years14,15.

Mars↗

MER landing site radar data

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Mars radar MOLA MGS laser altimeter scale roughnes↗

Rovers in the U.S. Mars Exploration Program

The U.S. Mars Exploration Program comprises at least on Discovery mission (Mars Pathfinder), and Mars Surveyor Program, plus sample return missions and other missions to prepare for possible human expeditions to Mars. The original themes of the Mars Surveyor Program (which are still the official program goals) are to understand Life, Climate and Resources on Mars, with these themes tied together by the common thread of Water. The ability to move about the Martian surface is key to the Mars Exploration Program. This paper addresses the overall Mars Exploration Program strategy, with an emphasis of the role of rovers in the program. Specifically, the need for improvements in rover performance is addressed.

Mars Global Surveyor MGS martian surface cost-cons↗

Telecommunications for Mars Rovers and Robotic Missions

The Mars exploration program of NASA and the international community will evolve from an early emphasis on orbital remote sensing toward in situ science activity on, or just above, the Martian surface.

communications packages↗