Mars Relay (MR)

Objectives:

The Mars Relay Will Relay Data from Lander Packages Placed by Future Mars Missions Via a UHF Radio Link:

1. To Obtain Images of Very Small Scale Surface Features (~ 5 cm) to Measure the Size Distribution of the Mars Surface and the Physical Processes which Yield this Distribution
2. To Provide In Situ Measurements of the Martian Meteorology
3. To Collect High-Resolution Measurements of Selected Geophysical Parameters
4. To Provide "Ground Truth" Values to Aide Interpretation of Remote Sensing Instrument Data

Instrumentation:

A UHF Radio Relay and antenna, which will support future landed Instrumentation Including cameras, altimeters, meteorological packages, IR spectrometer, magnetometer, nephelometer, inductive sounder, gamma-ray spectrometer, pulse radar, accelerometer, tensometers and dosimeters.

Measurements:

• Receives Telemetry from Balloon-Suspended or Landed Instrument Packages Including Cameras, Atmospheric and Meteorology Instruments
• Antenna: Quadrifilar Helix Fiberglass Mast
• FOV: Limb to Limb
• Electronics:
  • Uses MOC buffer for Data Return
  • Performs One Way Doppler Ranging on Received Signal
  • Data Rate (RF Link): 128 kilobits/sec
• Transmit Frequency (to Stations): 437.1 MHz at 1.3 W
• Receive Frequency (from Stations): 401.5 MHz, 405.6 MHz

Science Team

J. Blamont, CNES - Principal Interface