Mechanical and Civil Engineering Seminar

The physical properties of surface materials on Mars have been investigated by the interaction of lander arms (scoops) and rover wheels during surface operations for the seven successful landers and rovers. These surface investigations form the "ground truth" for relating the physical properties of these materials to remotely sensed data. Because landers and rovers need load bearing surfaces that are relatively free of large rocks and steep slopes, the remote sensing signatures of surface materials are used for selecting landing sites on Mars. This talk will review the physical properties of surface materials investigated by landers and rovers on Mars and discuss the use of remote sensing data to find safe and suitable landing sites, with special reference to the InSight lander in 2018, which will be the first mission to deploy a mole designed to penetrate 3-5 m beneath the surface.