Reference Science Scenario for 2007 Mars Smart Lander Mission Science Definition Team (SDT) Report

Note: Full report online in Adobe Acrobat format.

This document examines landing site locations, drilling scenarios, science objectives, surface traverse philosophies, and overall mission planning for the 2007 Mars Smart Lander Mission. This document was developed for the 2007 Mars Smart Lander Mission Science Definition Team (SDT). See the “Mars 2007 Smart Lander Mission Science Definition Team Report” for more information.

The 2007 Mars Smart Lander Mission Science Definition Team (SDT), chartered by
NASA Headquarters in April 2001, was given the task of defining and prioritizing the
science goals, objectives, investigations, and measurements associated with this landed
opportunity. In addition, the SDT was asked to consider: (a) the extent to which
meeting science objectives associated with the 2007 mission should depend on
precursor measurements such as those expected from the planned Mars Reconnaissance
Orbiter (MRO), (b) whether or not direct life detection experiments should be
lÕÓ×ttempted, (c) the extent to which the mission should be used for technology
development and testing to help prepare for Mars Sample Return, and (d) the
importance of radioisotope power sources (RPS) for meeting mission objectives.