Mars Subsurface Radar Mapper

 D. T. Chappell. (1995), JBIS, 48, pp.395-404

Refcode: 1995.48.395

Abstract:

This paper describes a mission designed to perform subsurface radar mapping of Mars in a search for underground ice and other geologic phenomena. The spacecraft uses a 6.0 kW Russian-designed Topaz II nuclear power source to provide ample power for the radar system and a wideband communications relay to Earth. The radar platform will likely operate in two modes, synthetic aperture and sounder, from an altitude of about 400 km. In addition to the scientific radar mission, the spacecraft will demonstrate several engineering instruments.