With the recent launch of the pair of Escapade satellites, we’re taking a big step toward exploring these interesting regions of Mars. These satellites have launched on an ambitious mission. Together they’ll study the Martian atmosphere and magnetic field in more detail than ever before. The trip to Mars will take approximately 22 months. Throughout these actions, the satellites will journey through space and then into orbit around the planet.
The launch, which occurred earlier this week, has already been touted as a monumental leap for the exploration of Mars. The next generation Escapade satellites will collect game-changing data. This knowledge will allow scientists to better understand and explain the planet’s atmospheric structure, ionospheric dynamics and magnetic field structure. This knowledge is key not only to guiding future missions, but understanding how Mars has evolved through its geologic history.
Once in orbit, the satellites will use these advanced instruments to measure atmospheric properties over all of Mars. This involves modeling and measuring the chemistry and physics of the atmosphere surrounding our planet. Knowing the atmospheric state is fundamental to understanding its effect on surface conditions and global climate on Mars.
Besides providing important atmospheric measurements, the Escapade satellites’ main goal will be to study Mars’ magnetic field. That knowledge is absolutely key. It can help us understand how Earth’s geological evolution and ability to shield itself from harmful solar radiation. By analyzing the magnetic field, scientists hope to uncover how Mars lost its atmosphere and what that means for its past habitability.
The small mission should play out over several years. This new data, along with that collected by the other Escapade satellites, will be critical in focusing the best next steps for research and exploration. The findings would help inform future crewed missions to Mars. They’ll help us answer other big questions, like whether or not life can exist anywhere beyond our planet.