ESCAPADE Mars mission: Twin Satellites Studying Atmospheric

Spread the love

Background: Its Atmosphere of ESCAPADE Mars mission

Mars’s atmosphere today and in the past is very thin, with low pressure, very cold temperatures, and virtually no stable surface water. Geological evidence suggests that millions of years ago, Mars had river valleys and lake beds, suggesting that there was more water, a denser atmosphere, and possibly a deeper atmosphere.
But this is not the case today. The question arises: where did that atmosphere go? Why has it changed so much? Scientists have found that Mars’ atmosphere, especially its upper layers, is gradually being lost to space.
This is believed to be a major reason for this loss.

Mission Introduction: Twin Satellites of ESCAPADE Mars mission

Previous Mars satellite missions have often consisted of a single satellite, which periodically measured Mars’ magnetic field, atmospheric chemistry, particles, and so on. However, it is difficult to measure spatial and temporal changes separately from a single satellite. Therefore, ESCAPADE chose two satellites so that they could simultaneously measure from different locations—that is, simultaneously observe what is happening in different parts of the planet at the same time. (“stereo” view—3-D type). This strategy will enable a much better understanding of Mars’ atmospheric loss process, solar wind ingression, magnetic field interactions, etc.

Mission Objectives and Key Questions

Key Scientific Questions ESCAPADE aims to answer three main questions: What is the structure of Mars’ hybrid magnetosphere, and how does solar wind ingression affect it? How do the energy and momentum particles (ions/electrons) carried by the solar wind interact with Mars’ atmosphere and magnetic field and how do they propel atmospheric particles into space? Finally, what has been the rate of atmospheric escape from Mars’ earliest times to the present day? By what processes (ion escape, sputtering, photochemical escape) has the atmosphere been lost? And how has this shaped Mars’s present-day atmosphere?

Technical Outline and Mission Outline

Scientific Instruments: Each satellite will carry the following key instruments: a magnetometer (EMAG) to measure the magnetic field. An electrostatic analyzer (EESA) to measure the energy and flux of particles (ions and electrons). A Langmuir probe (ELP) to measure thermal electron density, ion density, floating potential, etc. Mission Campaigns: Research Phase A: Both satellites will be in nearly identical orbits and will follow each other. This will allow for time-dependent changes to be observed. Research Phase B: Later, one satellite’s orbit will be changed, and the other will remain separate, thus providing spatial separation, allowing simultaneous measurements in different regions.

Why is this mission important?

Mars’ atmosphere is particularly affected during solar storms. For example, in 2022, it was observed that the solar wind almost disappeared due to the expansion of Mars’ atmospheric region after a CME. Data obtained by ESCAPADE will help us learn about the frequency of solar storms, their impact on which regions, and how the atmosphere is lost. This information will be crucial for future Mars missions from a safety perspective. A model for a cost-effective planetary mission: Traditional planetary missions require large budgets and resources. ESCAPADE’s budget is relatively low (<80 million dollars). If successful, it could serve as a model for how planetary science can be advanced using small satellites even on a low budget.

Challenges and Mitigations of ESCAPADE Mars mission

Technical Challenges: Success requires highly precise orbit insertion and orbit phasing. Reaching Mars is a long journey (10+ months), with risks at various stages. Solar wind, radiation, instrument fatigue, and data transmission all pose challenges. Scientific Challenges: Mars may experience several different mechanisms for atmospheric loss—such as ion escape, sputtering, photochemical escape, and thermal escape. Measuring them separately is not easy. Atmospheric changes over time can be very slow—signals may be too weak to measure them currently.

Data from multi-point measurements (two spacecraft) would be very complex—separating spatial and temporal variations poses a challenge for data analysis. Mitigations: A strategy has been adopted to measure spatial and temporal variations separately by sending both satellites into different orbits. The mission is already on a small budget, so the project is based on a competitive and cost-effective model. Data analysis will utilize experience from other missions (such as MAVEN).

Interesting Facts and Mission Features

This is the first mission to Mars to conduct simultaneous measurements by two satellites. This mission is a significant step toward understanding the process of Mars’ atmosphere loss through a “cause-effect” approach. This model, along with research, will provide useful information for the next major human mission, such as how to manage habitation, radiation protection, communications, and navigation on Mars. The mission’s orbit profile is based on conventional Mars orbit.

Conclusion: ESCAPADE Mars mission

Mission ESCAPADE directly addresses a question that has driven Mars scientists for decades: why did Mars lose its atmosphere, and what role did solar storms play in it? This two-satellite mission opens a new dimension: simultaneous measurements of Mars’ atmosphere and magnetic environment, which was not possible with previous single-satellite missions. Its success will not only provide us with insights into Mars’ geology but also provide a better understanding of planetary atmospheric loss, solar-wind effects, magnetic shielding, and more.