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SwRI provides Mars weather information for the next Mars Scout Mission |
SwRI scientists Dr. Scot Rafkin and Timothy Michaels are providing critical simulations of Mars' atmosphere in support of Phoenix, the first Mars Scout Mission. Using cutting edge atmospheric modeling code they developed, Rafkin and Michaels are simulating the local conditions at potential high northern latitude landing sites. The resulting model data is used by the Phoenix project to identify wind conditions hazardous to entry, descent, and landing (EDL) operations, and as input to optimize system and science instrument performance. SwRI's involvement with Phoenix follows on the heels of successful support of the Mars Exploration Rovers' EDL. Dr. Rafkin is a science collaborator on the Phoenix mission. Dr. Peter Smith of the University of Arizona is the PI of the Phoenix mission. Phoenix is scheduled to launch in 2007.