Astrobiology Field Laboratory
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The Astrobiology Field Laboratory (also known as AFL), is a proposed NASA unmanned planetary spacecraft to explore the planet Mars. The rover will be built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. It is planned to be launched sometime around 2016, most likely by a Boeing Delta 4 Medium+ (4,2) rocket. But the rover is proposed for a possible early launch in 2013.
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[edit] Mission
Its main objective is to study and examine the surface and structure of the Martian surface. It has been proposed that Astrobiology Field Laboratory use radioisotope thermoelectric generators as its power source, like the ones used on the Mars Science Laboratory. Its primary mission is to last for about one Martian year, or approximately 2 Earth years, with an extended mission lasting another Martian year.
[edit] Planning
This proposed mission hasn't begun early planning stages or funding yet, but it may be scaled back in the coming time from a critical mission and engineering review. It is not yet known whether it will ever be launched, but due to budgetery concerns and for near accomplishing goals, selected numbers of expected planetary missions have been cancelled.
Along with the AFL, other missions to Mars, like the Mars Deep Drill Lander, are also proposed to fly to Mars.
[edit] External link
[edit] See also
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| Flybys: Mariner 4 | Mariner 6 | Mariner 7 | Mars 4 | |
| Orbiters: Mariner 9 | Mars 2 | Mars 3 | Mars 5 | Mars 6 | Viking 1 | Viking 2 | Phobos 2 | Mars Global Surveyor | Mars Odyssey | Mars Express Orbiter | Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter | |
| Landers and Rovers: Mars 3 | Viking 1 | Viking 2 | Mars Pathfinder | Spirit rover | Opportunity rover | |
| Future: Phoenix Scout (2007) | Mars Science Laboratory (2009) | Phobos-Grunt (2009) | Mars 2011 | ExoMars (2013) | Astrobiology Field Laboratory (2016?) | |
| See also: Mars | Exploration of Mars | Colonization of Mars | |
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