TERMOPAC/ADIP : A generic package for long-term monitoring of the Martian thermosphere Original Research Article

A small package devoted to the measurement of Mars neutral densities, temperatures, and winds in the 100–250 km altitude range is proposed to be put onboard the various orbiters of Mars that will be flown in the future. This package is composed of a 3-axis accelerometer and two density gauges, totaling approximately 2 kg. The solar cycle, seasonal, wave, and dust storm responses of the Mars upper atmosphere are poorly constrained at present. A long-term program for Mars thermospheric monitoring is needed to provide multiple opportunities to systematically investigate these thermospheric variations. Ultimately, a climatology of the Mars lower thermospheric densities, temperatures, and winds can be constructed. The goals of such a program are two-fold : (i) to fully characterize the Martian thermospheric structure and dynamics, and (ii) to provide a realistic Mars thermospheric climatology for future aerobraking exercises at the planet. A fundamental understanding of Mars thermospheric structure and dynamics naturally leads to comparison with the terrestrial lower thermosphere and the associated processes. Such comparative planetology studies require a global Mars database that would be provided by a regular thermospheric monitoring program made possible with TERMOPAC.