Exploring Martian Magnetic Fields with a Helicopter
Anna Mittelholz, Lindsey J. Heagy, C. L. Johnson, J. Bapst, J. R. Espley, A. A. Fraeman, B. Langlais, R. J. Lillis, W. Rapin
Abstract
Abstract The era of helicopter-based surveys on Mars has already begun, creating opportunities for future aerial science investigations with a range of instruments. We argue that magnetometer-based studies can make use of aerial technology to answer some of the key questions regarding early Mars evolution. As such, we discuss mission concepts for a helicopter equipped with a magnetometer on Mars, measurements it would provide, and survey designs that could be implemented. For a range of scenarios, we build magnetization models and test how well structures can be resolved using a range of different inversion approaches. With this work, we provide modeling ground work and recommendations to plan the future of aerial Mars exploration.