with a new class of robot explorer -- the Mars Scout.These probes are envisioned as being able to reconnoiter Mars via any number of ways from orbit, the planets surface and subsurface, as well as by floating or flying at low altitude over Martian terrain.
NASA has kicked off the Mars Scout effort, with the agency on the lookout for innovative ways to investigate Martian biological, chemical and physical phenomena and processes.
The first Mars Scout mission could take flight in the late 2006 to mid 2007 time frame.
Unearthed on Mars
Scouts may focus on new discoveries "unearthed" on Mars, particularly any revelation that might warrant rapid follow-up.
Mars Scouts can take on the form of orbiters, landers, penetrators, rovers, aerobots, airplanes, gliders or other devices its wide open on how best to extract science and surprise out of Mars, said Joe Parrish, program executive for the Mars Exploration Program here at NASA Headquarters.
"There is an electricity about Mars," Parrish told SPACE.com. "We are in a wonderful part of the scientific exploration process. The more we learn, the more we realize what we dont know. And that just opens up whole new avenues to go off and pursue," he said.
Scouting season
The "scouting season" for recruiting competitive and inventive ways to see the scientific sights on Mars is in full swing.
NASA has offered Mars Scout mission study contracts valued at $100,000 to $150,000 each. By deadline date, April 9, over 50 "notices of intent" to propose for the Mars Scout mission study monies were received, Parrish said.
A workshop is slated for May 21-24 in Pasadena, California where prospective Mars Scout mission projects are to be evaluated. It is planned to later award six to 10 study contracts, part of a step-by-step process that first helps shape the program, then eventually leads to picking, building and launching Mars Scout missions.
Approximately $300 million in fiscal year 2001 funds are to be spent to move Mars Scout ideas from drawing board to countdown.
Monies are also to be spent on technologies that fortify the Scout concept while helping lower mission risk, Parrish said.
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