Space Exploration Stack Exchange
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Questions tagged [mars]

Questions about the science or exploration of the planet Mars. See the tag wiki for related tags.

The first mission to Mars was in 1960 and was conducted by the former Soviet Union (the first successful landing occured in 1971 ), and there are several current missions studying the planet. Several space agencies from around the world are studying its surface features, atmosphere, and its potential for hosting life in either the past or present.

Questions that are related to the past, current, or future exploration and study of Mars should use this tag. For some more information:

Mars - Wikipedia

Exploration of Mars - Wikipedia

NASA - Mars Trek (navigate the surface of Mars)

For artificial satellites that are stationed in Mars orbit, see

For the Martian dust storms, see .

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What caused all the dust on Mars?

The surface of Mars has vast quantities of dust. It is everywhere. Even hard rocky areas are covered with dust. I am aware of the mechanisms for dust formation, including wind velocity abrading rocks, biological actions, freeze/thaw cycling, and…
tckosvic
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Why did multiple nations decide to launch Mars projects at exactly the same time?

There seem to be multiple Mars projects all happening at around the same time: The Emirates Mars Mission was the first of the three to arrive at Mars on 9 February 2021. Tianwen-1, an interplanetary mission by the China National Space…
nycynik
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Is it possible to fly a glider on Mars and if so are there any plans for one?

So I'm a Rising aerospace engineering freshman and have gotten very into the idea of learning about and figuring out possibilities of Martian Aviation. I am well aware of Mars Ingenuity and was wondering about any other plans in motion to fly on the…
Robert Danner
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GPS / Iridium for human presence on Mars?

If we assume that humans will eventually visit (if not colonize) Mars, and we consider the benefits to terrestrial navigation and communication of the GPS and Iridium systems... Would a precursor to human travel to Mars logically be the…
Anthony X
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Economic Incentives of a Mars Colony

The design of a mars base is obviously a very difficult task that will likely take contribution from many different groups. However, while a lunar base has incentives such as mining of Helium-3, does a mars base have similar…
und3niable
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Could an Apollo mission be possible if Moon would be Earth like?

I suspect that actual technology results in the apparently paradoxical situation that is easier to visit the moon rather than a comfortable planet able to sustain life. I am obviously supposing the crew must return to Earth. Am I correct thinking…
Alchimista
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What work is being done on Mars infrastructure once Elon drops us off on the planet?

If Spacex succeeds, the first ship of colonists will arrive on Mars sometime during the 2020's. Developing the spacecraft is a monumental undertaking and I am amazed that a private company may be able to put it all together to get us there with…
Ashlar
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Terraforming Mars - Concentrating the Sun's energy on Mars using a lens to have the same effect as moving closer to the sun

I just read an earlier question about changing the orbit of Mars to be more earthlike. This was shot down because of the massive amounts of energy/time required. So, if the problem has to do with the greater orbit, there is less energy being…
James
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What were the life spans of the four Mars rovers?

What were the life spans of all 4 rovers that were sent to Mars? By 4 rovers i mean Sojourner, Spirit and Opportunity and Curiosity? Which of them 4 had maximum and minimum lifetime span?
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Electricity for magnetic shield at Mars L1 Lagrange point

NASA says that it can build a magnetic dipole shield at the Mars L1 Lagrange Point, but how do they support the electricity?
朱軒德
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Electric motor design for Martian environment

As I understand it most electronic components on things sent to the moon or Mars are kept in a WEB (warm electronics box) to keep them in a optimal working environment, to prevent degradation of said components. But I have not found anything about…
Down2earthspacenut
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What is the difference between a Trans-Mars Injection orbit and a Mars Orbit Insertion?

Does it require the same delta-v to reach the same heliocentric orbit that Mars has as it does to reach Mars? Ignoring entering Mars' atmosphere, is the difference only timing of the launch?
meSeeksAndDestroy
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How close to the planet Mars would an object have to be to generate friction in its atmosphere?

If satellites were in place with space elevator type cable holding a "friction generator" close to the Martian atmosphere, how far from the surface would the said device have to be? I don't need an exact answer. I am wondering if such a device…
Jimminy Critic
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High Water Map of Mars

Based upon data available now, what would a map of mars have looked like at the peak (high) water level period. If such a projected map is available could someone post a copy or a reference to same. If other maps showing projections at times of…
tckosvic
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Visible sky features from Mars

For the purpose of this theoretical question, please assume the following criteria: The person will remain on the planet for at least a few years allowing for Mars to complete an orbit. The person has just an average pair of binoculars as a viewing…
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