A Concept for a Mars Boundary Layer Sounding Balloon: Science Case, Technical Concept and Deployment Risk Analysis

The Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group has identified measurements of the state and the variability of the Martian atmosphere as high priority investigations for the upcoming years. Balloon-borne instruments could bridge the gap in both temporal and spatial resolution in mesoscale distances between local, stationary landers and global orbiter observations. The idea to use a balloon system for such a purpose is not new in essence and has been proposed already in past decades. While those concepts considered an aerial deployment during entry and descent, the concept outlined in this study revisits a launch off the payload deck of a lander from the Martian surface. This deployment option profits today mainly from the technological advance in micro-electronics and sensor miniaturization, which enables the design of a balloon-probe significantly smaller than earlier proposed systems. This paper presents the feasibility assessment for this instrument and gives further details on the scientific and operational concept, a strawman sensor suite, its system components and the associated size and budget estimates. It is complemented by the analysis scheme proposed to assess, manage and mitigate the deployment risk involved in automatically launching such a balloon-system off a planetary surface.

Automated summary

The measurement of Martian atmosphere is a high priority investigation for future Mars exploration. Using balloon-borne instruments can provide higher temporal and spatial resolution compared to other observation methods. This study proposes the concept of launching a balloon from the surface of Mars, taking advantage of technological advancements in micro-electronics and sensor miniaturization. The paper presents the feasibility assessment, scientific and operational concept, sensor suite, system components, and size and budget estimates. It also proposes an analysis scheme to assess and mitigate deployment risks.