Exploring Mars: Four Missions Set to Launch in 2020
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Mars Exploration
Every 26 months, Earth and Mars align favorably for launching spacecraft to the Red Planet, making it a prime time for exploration. In the summer of 2020, four different entities will embark on their journeys to Mars: NASA, China, a collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Russia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Each of these missions has distinct goals, showcasing a diverse array of scientific endeavors aimed at uncovering the mysteries of Mars.
Section 1.1: NASA's Mars 2020 Mission
The Mars 2020 mission aims to deploy a helicopter on Mars for the first time, with a potential launch date as early as July 17, 2020. If successful, it will mark a historic moment as the first heavier-than-air vehicle to fly in the Martian atmosphere. This ambitious project, costing approximately $2.46 billion, will utilize a highly automated navigation system and include an arm and turret for sampling Martian soil.
"This rover will operate similarly to a human geologist, reaching out to examine and collect geological samples," NASA representatives explain.
The rover will not only capture stunning images of Mars but also analyze its atmosphere. It will drill into the crust to search for ancient signs of life and any existing microbes in the Martian permafrost.
A notable feature of this mission is the lightweight helicopter, weighing only 1.8 kilograms (about four pounds), which will explore the Martian skies. The entry and landing will be executed using a method previously validated during the Mars Science Laboratory mission that successfully delivered the Curiosity rover to the surface.
As of now, over eight million people have registered to have their names sent to Mars along with the Mars 2020 mission.
Watch NASA's Perseverance Rover Launch to Mars! - YouTube
This video captures the excitement surrounding the launch of NASA's Perseverance rover, showcasing the technology and efforts behind this groundbreaking mission.
Section 1.2: ExoMars 2020 Mission by ESA and Russia
The ExoMars program, a collaborative effort between the ESA and Russia, aims to delve into the history of life on the Red Planet. The ExoMars 2020 mission, with a budget of $1.45 billion, will focus on identifying signs of past or present life on Mars.
The mission will utilize a Russian Proton rocket to launch and will descend to Mars within an aeroshell. As the spacecraft nears the Martian atmosphere, it will release a descent vehicle that will safely land using parachutes and thrusters. Once on the Martian surface, the rover will bake soil samples in specialized ovens and analyze the released gases.
"The rover is designed to drill up to two meters beneath the surface, where life might still exist in ice deposits," states ESA.
Named in honor of the pioneering scientist Rosalind Franklin, the rover will traverse the Martian surface in search of organic materials while the stationary lander probes beneath.
The mission's unique combination of surface and subsurface exploration sets a new standard for Martian science.
Chapter 2: The Ambitious Missions Ahead
Section 2.1: China's HX-1 Mission
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) is preparing for its inaugural Mars mission, which includes an orbiter, lander, and rover. This multifaceted approach aims to study the Martian atmosphere and search for evidence of ancient or modern life on the surface.
The HX-1 rover is anticipated to operate on Mars for 90 days, gathering crucial data that could inform future terraforming efforts. While the landing site is yet to be finalized, potential locations include Chryse Planitia and Isidis Planitia.
"Successful EDL (entry, descent, and landing) procedures are vital, as Mars poses unique challenges compared to lunar missions," explains Mason Peck, a former NASA chief technologist.
The CNSA has already conducted successful tests to prepare for this mission, marking a significant step in China's space exploration endeavors.
Section 2.2: UAE's Hope Mars Mission
The Hope Mars mission will be the first interplanetary endeavor from an Arab nation, aiming to conduct a comprehensive study of the Martian atmosphere. This Emirati orbiter, constructed with advanced materials, will measure various atmospheric components and provide insights into Mars' climatic history.
With a design reminiscent of a small car, the spacecraft will utilize solar panels for energy and high-tech communication systems to relay data back to Earth. The mission aims to uncover the reasons behind the planet's atmospheric changes over billions of years.
"The Hope mission represents humanity's innate curiosity and desire to explore," states Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.
The orbiter will be equipped with instruments to analyze atmospheric layers and gather high-resolution imagery of the Martian surface.
Watch NASA launch the Mars 2020 rover (Perseverance) on ULA's Atlas V Rocket! - YouTube
This video documents the launch of the Mars 2020 rover, highlighting the cutting-edge technology and international collaboration involved in this mission.
Together, these four missions set to launch in 2020 signify a monumental year for Mars exploration, promising to answer longstanding questions while opening new avenues of inquiry into the Red Planet's past and future.