MTO Cancelled Options

[djellison]

Just listening to the MRO conference. Highlights included...

1) 5.4 Mbits is the highest MRO data rate (not the 4 I thought)
2) An extra 50-ish KG of fuel puts it's low-altitude orbit life thru to the next decade.
3) MTO HAS BEEN CANCELLED

What the HELL!

They say that MSL can still do its mission with just MRO as it's relay capacity will suffice.

But that means less science data during an MRO extension

Seems a bit short sighted.

Doug

[Mariner9]

I'm not Bruce, but to throw in my ten cents it depends on what you mean by sucess. Currently it seems that sucess is measured, at least publicly at NASA, in finding evidence of water, and then organics, in that order. Third place seems to be general scientific knowledge of Mars' history and current state.

IMHO, the chances an MSR launched pre-Mars Observer/MGS instruments doing much more than #3 was just about zip. In fact, #3 is dubious, because grabbing samples using only Viking as your planning guide, would not have given you nearly the global context knowledge that we have now.

I have read at least one description of the MSR that included a Mars orbiter in the Mars Observer class. The orbiter would be launched in conjunction with MSR to serve as a relay satelite and orbital mapper to help guide MSR's rover. But that would still imply picking a landing site ahead of time, and then trying to play catchup during the mission itself, and hoping you picked a good site in the first place.

I've read a number of opinions in the last ten years which state, in retrospect, the 1980's idea that Viking was sufficient knowledge base to use for planning an MSR was somewhat naive.

But then, in the late 90s we had people seriously planning an MSR for the 2005-07 timeframe that thought MGS was a good enough knowledge base. Now, the thinking is at least have MGS, Mars Odyssey, MER, Phoenix and MSL under your belt... and then you might be ready, but a follow on to MSL might still be needed.

Will be interesting to see what the scientific thought-dujour is around 2012 after MSL results are in.