P11B-2089
Subsurface Feature Mapping of Mars using a High Resolution Ground Penetrating Radar System

Monday, 14 December 2015
Poster Hall (Moscone South)
Taia Sean Wu1, Divya M Persaud1,2, Michael A Preudhomme1,3, Marten Jurg1, Mary Kate Smith1, Hayden Buckley1,3, Jesse Tarnas4, Clement Chalumeau1, Nate Lombard-Poirot1, Bryan Mann1 and NASA Ames Academy for Space Exploration 2015, (1)NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States, (2)University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States, (3)University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States, (4)Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, United States
Abstract:
As the closest Earth-like, potentially life-sustaining planet in the solar system, Mars' future of human exploration is more a question of timing than possibility. The Martian surface remains hostile, but its subsurface geology holds promise for present or ancient astrobiology and future habitation, specifically lava tube (pyroduct) systems, whose presence has been confirmed by HiRISE imagery.The location and characterization of these systems could provide a basis for understanding the evolution of the red planet and long-term shelters for future manned missions on Mars.

To detect and analyze the subsurface geology of terrestrial bodies from orbit, a novel compact (smallsat-scale) and cost-effective approach called the High-resolution Orbiter for Mapping gEology by Radar (HOMER) has been proposed. Adapting interferometry techniques with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to a ground penetrating radar system, a small satellite constellation is able to achieve a theoretical resolution of 50m from low-Mars orbit (LMO). Alongside this initial prototype design of HOMER, proposed data processing methodology and software and a Mars mission design are presented.

This project was developed as part of the 2015 NASA Ames Academy for Space Exploration.

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