Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Capabilities in Support of Human Mars Missions

Abstract

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) is uniquely qualified to meet objectives required by human missions to Mars. Landing site characterization capabilities include imaging for boulders and other terrain difficult for landing and/or driving, understanding soil properties for future construction, and locating resources such as subsurface ice deposits and caves. During the entry, descent, and landing phase, the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio can provide real-time data return, while several instruments can provide weather and atmospheric density information. The high-resolution imager can capture photos of a vehicle mid-descent and after touchdown. These capabilities could prove vital for determining the root cause after an anomaly. Once human presence on Mars is established, the UHF radio can provide positioning information, relay data from equipment placed outside of direct communication with the landing site, and serve as a backup voice communication system during extravehicular activities. Other MRO capabilities include creating stereo maps for extravehicular route planning, dust storm prediction and monitoring, atmospheric density measurements for aerobraking, improvement of spacecraft ephemerides to assist with precisely targeted landings, and finding lost hardware in orbit and on the ground. MRO remains healthy and retains sufficient fuel to operate until 2038.