Engineering models of the Mars atmosphere

Abstract

Engineering models of the Mars atmosphere are presented for use in spacecraft design and mission planning. The models are developed from (1) data measured by the U.S. Mariner 4, 6, 7, and 9 and USSR Mars 2 and 3 spacecraft, (2) earth-based measurements, and (3) theory which best satisfies the observations. The models include a nominal model for a clear atmosphere, a model for a dusty atmosphere, and models that encompass reasonable extremes of exospheric temperature. In addition to the basic engineering models, other atmospheric characteristics affecting the models are discussed including clouds, ionosphere and atmospheric dynamics.