Abstract
This work presents a novel method for the real-time retrieval of wind speed on the surface of Mars that uses temperature measurements from the Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) instrument onboard the Curiosity rover of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission. After final failure of the Wind Sensor (WS) in sol 1491, REMS has not been providing wind data. The new wind retrieval approach that we propose may eventually be able to supply MSL with wind values for contextualizing the rover’s operations and for meteorological studies on the surface of Mars. The new method is based on forced convection modeling of the Air Temperature Sensors (ATS) of REMS as thin rods immersed in the extreme low-pressure and high-radiating atmospheric conditions of the Martian thermal boundary layer at a height of ∼1.5 m from the surface. A preliminary validation of the possibilities and limitations of this retrieval has been performed using comparative analysis with existing REMS wind field-site data for the same sols that are available at the Planetary Data System (PDS). We have developed both a “coarse” approach, in which wind speed is determined with no regard to wind direction, and a “refined” method, in which it is attempted to determine both wind speed and direction. Assuming the previously reported WS retrieval errors of 20% for the wind speed, we report an agreement to the WS values of wind speed ranging from 36.4% to 77% of the acquisition time for the “coarse” approach, depending on the sol examined. These promising results are limited to only evening extended acquisitions from 18:00 to 21:00 local mean solar time (LMST). This method could be applied to daytime conditions. The results suggest a new optimal orientation for wind speed retrieval of +60°clockwise with respect to the forward direction of the Curiosity rover, although the technique is not yet ready to be considered for planning of the Curiosity rover operations. This method could extend the wind characterization of the Gale Crater for future Curiosity rover data acquisitions by recycling air temperature measurements and provide the scientific community with a data set for future comparative analysis with the Temperature and Wind Sensors for InSight (TWINS)/InSight, the HabitAbility: Brines, Irradiation and Temperature (HABIT)/ExoMars 2022, and the Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer (MEDA)/Mars 2020 rover instruments.
Highlights
The lack of characterization of high-rate winds on the surface of Mars still represents a challenge for the scientific community that must be addressed because it has implications in a wide range of fields
Knowing the near-surface wind speed is essential to understanding the dust cycle, which is in turn vital to understanding planetary boundary layer (PBL) dynamics on Mars, as well as the effects on planetary surface missions in terms of radiation; the thermal environment; entry descent and landing (EDL) stages; and dust accumulation (Madeleine et al, 2011; Hassler et al, 2014; Vicente-Retortillo et al, 2015)
We present a new wind retrieval method based on temperature data from the Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) Air Temperature Sensors (ATS), which are available at the NASA Planetary Atmospheres Node of the Planetary Data System (PDS) (Gómez-Elvira, 2013a,b,c)
Summary
The lack of characterization of high-rate winds on the surface of Mars still represents a challenge for the scientific community that must be addressed because it has implications in a wide range of fields. It is believed that nearsurface wind stress is responsible for lifting much of the dust from the Martian surface, during dust storms (Newman et al., 2002a; Kahre et al, 2006; Basu and Richardson, 2004). The former occurs when near-surface winds exceed a threshold speed.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
