Sample Collection for Investigation of Mars
Sample Collection for Investigation of Mars (SCIM) was a concept proposed in 2008 for a relatively low-cost, low-risk Mars sample return studied in the former Mars Scout Program.[1] SCIM returns dust and air samples without landing or orbiting,[1] by passing through the atmosphere as it collects samples.[2] The design utilizes heritage from the successful Stardust and Genesis sample return missions.[2] SCIM was studied by the Mars Scout Program,[1] and it achieved finalist status in a mission selection before that program ended.[3] The Mars Scout program includes Phoenix lander and MAVEN.
A pass through the atmosphere about 40 km (25 miles) above Mars would result in millions of particles being encountered.[4] The particles would be captured in an aerogel similar to Stardust's.[4] Analysis of the dust could confirm the origin of the suspected meteorites on Earth from Mars.[4]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Jones, S.M. et al. (2008). "Ground Truth From Mars (2008) - Mars Sample Return at 6 Kilometers per Second: Practical, Low Cost, Low Risk, and Ready". USRA. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Wadhwa, et al. - SCIM (2012)
- ↑ Scout Missions NewsWire: Recent Articles
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Leshin, et al. - Sample Collection for Investigation of Mars
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