ISSN: 1945-7553
CODEN: JTEVAB
Page Count: 9

Martian Sandstorms and Their Effects on the 1975 Viking Lander System

Maegley, WJ
Staff engineer and senior engineer, Martin Marietta Corp., Denver, Colo.

Diederich, DP
Staff engineer and senior engineer, Martin Marietta Corp., Denver, Colo.

Abstract

A model of a Martian sandstorm has been derived from presently available data. The erosional effects of such a storm on the Viking lander were determined by test, and modifications involving the application of silicone-based protective material were made to insure lander survivability over the planned 60-day mission. Material eroded by windblown sand is expected to provide a source of contaminant for the soil samples used in the organic analysis experiment. Results of analyses predicting the level of such contamination indicate that soil sample contaminant concentration will be below the acceptable maximum.

Keywords:
particulate contamination, Mars probes, spacecraft landing, sand, saltation, erosion, abrasion tests, abrasion resistant coatings

Paper ID: JTE10179J
DOI: 10.1520/JTE10179J
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