Space & Astronomy

NASA is working on next-gen Mars orbiters

By T.K. Randall
July 19, 2016

Image Credit: (PD) NASA via Wikimedia Commons When the first astronauts eventually do land on Mars they will need to rely upon orbiting satellites to help them maintain reliable communications with the Earth. Sending messages directly from the surface is possible but takes much longer and can only be attempted at certain times.

Now in a renewed effort to work towards this goal as well as to help improve the design and capabilities of all its future Mars orbiters, NASA has awarded contracts to five major engineering companies to develop orbiter concepts for use in future missions.In addition to improved communications capabilities, these next-generation orbiters will also be equipped with solar-electric propulsion systems, high-resolution cameras and possibly even the ability to accept samples of rocks and soil that can be returned to the Earth for analysis.

If all goes well this sample-return concept might even be put in to practice by NASA's 2020 Mars rover which could send up a small capsule for an orbiter to pick up and carry back home.

If successful such a mission could serve to revolutionize our understanding of the Red Planet.

Source: New Scientist

Tags: Mars