The Mars orbiter magnetometer of Tianwen-1:in-flight performance and first science results

The Mars Orbiter MAGnetometer(MOMAG)is a scientific instrument onboard the orbiter of China’s first mission for Mars—Tianwen-1.Since November 13,2021,it has been recording magnetic field data from the solar wind to the magnetic pile-up region surrounding Mars.Here we present its in-flight performance and first science results,based on its first one and one-half months’data.Comparing these early MOMAG observations to the magnetic field data in the solar wind from NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN(MAVEN)mission,we report that the MOMAG magnetic field data are at the same level in magnitude,and describe the same magnetic structures with similar variations in three components.We recognize 158 clear bow shock(BS)crossings in these MOMAG data;their locations match well statistically with the modeled average BS.We also identify and compare five pairs of datasets collected when Tianwen-1’s orbiter and the MAVEN probe made simultaneous BS crossings.These BS crossings confirm the global shape of modeled BS,as well as the south-north asymmetry of the Martian BS.Two cases presented in this paper suggest that the BS is probably more dynamic at flank than near the nose.So far,MOMAG performs well,and provides accurate magnetic field vectors.MOMAG is continuously scanning the magnetic field surrounding Mars.Data from MOMAG’s measurements complement data from MAVEN and will undoubt edly advance our understanding of the plasma environment of Mars.

Proton pitch angle distributions in the Martian induced magnetosphere: A survey of Tianwen-1 Mars Ion and Neutral Particle Analyzer observations

The pitch angle distributions of ions and electrons can be affected by various processes;thus,they can serve as an important indicator of the physical mechanisms driving the dynamics of space plasmas.From observations from the Mars Ion and Neutral Particle Analyzer onboard the Tianwen-1 orbiter,we calculated the pitch angle distributions of protons in the Martian induced magnetosphere by using information from the magnetohydrodynamically simulated magnetic field,and we statistically analyzed the spatial occurrence pattern of different types of pitch angle distributions.Even though no symmetrical features were seen in the dataset,we found the dominance of the field-aligned distribution type over the energy range from 188 to 6232 eV.Maps of the occurrence rate showed the preferential presence of a trapped-like distribution at the lower altitudes of the surveyed nightside region.Although our results are more or less restricted by the adopted magnetic field,they indicate the complexity of the near-Mars proton pitch angle distributions and infer the possibility of wave–particle interactions in the Martian induced magnetosphere.

Observations and interpretations of geomorphologic features in the Tianwen-1 landing area on Mars by using orbital imagery data

China’s first Mars exploration mission,Tianwen-1,successfully landed in southern Utopia Planitia on Mars on May 15,2021.This work presents a detailed investigation of the geologic context of the landing area surface for this mission based on orbital remotesensing data.We constructed a geomorphologic map for the Tianwen-1 landing area.Results of our detailed geomorphologic map show several major landforms within the landing area,including rampart craters,mesas,troughs,cones,and ridges.Analysis of materials on the landing area surface indicates that most of the landing area is covered by Martian dust.Transverse aeolian ridges are widely distributed within the landing area,indicating the surface contexts were(and still are)modified by regional winds.In addition,a crater counting analysis indicates the landing area has an absolute model age of~3.3 Ga and that a later resurfacing event occurred at~1.6 Ga.Finally,we outline four formational scenarios to test the formation mechanisms for the geomorphologic features on the landing area surface.The most likely interpretation to explain the existence of the observed surface features can be summarized as follows:A thermal influence may have played an important role in the formation of the surface geomorphologic features;thus,igneous-related processes may have occurred in the landing area.Water ice may also have been involved in the construction of the primordial surface configuration.Subsequent resurfacing events and aeolian processes buried and modified the primordial surface.

Ground calibration of the Mars orbiter magnetometer onboard Tianwen-1

Ground calibration experiments of the Mars orbiter magnetometer(MOMAG)onboard the orbiter of Tianwen-1 were performed to determine the sensitivity,misalignment angle,and offset of the sensors.The linearity of the applied calibrated magnetic fields and the output from the sensors were confirmed to be better than 10^(-4),and the sensor axes were orthogonal to each other within 0.5 degrees.The temperature dependencies of the sensitivity and misalignment angle were examined,but no clear signatures of temperature dependencies could be seen.Sensor offset and the stability of sensor offset drift with a temperature change were also determined by the rotation method.The stability of the sensor offset drift was less than 0.01 nT/℃.The ground calibration of MOMAG determines all the calibration parameters of the sensors for accurate magnetic field measurements in orbit with the appropriate corrections.

Mars Orbiter magnetometer of China’s First Mars Mission Tianwen-1

As one of the seven scientific payloads on board the Tianwen-1 orbiter,the Mars Orbiter Magnetometer(MOMAG)will measure the magnetic fields of and surrounding Mars to study its space environment and the interaction with the solar wind.The instrument consists of two identical triaxial fluxgate magnetometer sensors,mounted on a 3.19 meter-long boom with a seperation of about 90 cm.The dual-magnetometers configuration will help eliminate the magnetic field interference generated by the spacecraft platform and payloads.The sensors are controlled by an electric box mounted inside the orbiter.Each magnetometer measures the ambient vector magnetic field over a wide dynamic range(to 10,000 nT per axis)with a resolution of 1.19 pT.Both magnetometers sample the ambient magnetic field at an intrinsic frequency of 128 Hz,but will operate in a model with alternating frequency between 1 and 32 Hz to meet telemetry allocations.

The payloads of planetary physics research onboard China’s First Mars Mission (Tianwen-1)

Mars is not only our nearby but also the most Earth-like planetary neighbor.Scientific exploration of Mars is thus of crucial value to our understanding of the solar system.The existence of abundant evidence for the former presence of water on Mars demands further exploration for signs of life on our sister planet,and investigations that could shed light on conditions favorable to the origin of life.For nearly 60 years,humans have conducted orbitally-based remote sensing and in-situ surface exploration of Mars,leading to many significant scientific discoveries.But much remains to be done before we can be sure that we truly and fully understand Mars.Key research topics include the history of water on Mars and how that history relates to the planet’s habitable environment-past,present,and future;the distribution and evolution of waterbearing and evaporative salt minerals on the planet’s surface;the history of volcanic activity on Mars;the Martian magnetic field and its effect on the escape of water and atmosphere from the planet;interactions between the solar wind and the Martian atmosphere and ionosphere;atmospheric characteristics and climate change on Mars;and so on(Li CL et al.,2018;Liu JJ et al.,2018).Based on the above scientific questions about life,climate,and geology on Mars,the international planetary science community has formulated ambitious Mars exploration programs.

Overview of the Mars climate station for Tianwen-1 mission

The background and scientific objectives of the Mars Climate Station(MCS)for Tianwen-1 are introduced,accompanied by a comparative review of the status of related meteorological observation missions and of advanced sensing technologies.As one of the China Tianwen-1 Mission’s principal scientific payloads,the MCS contains four measurement sensors and one electronic processing unit that are specially designed to measure local temperature,pressure,wind,and sound on the Martian surface.The MCS’s measurement principles,technical schemes,ground calibration techniques,and adaptability evaluation to the Mars surface environment of MCS are introduced in details.The conclusion presents measurement performance specifications of the MCS,based on ground test results,that will provide guidance to future research based on data from the Tianwen-1 and later Mars missions.

Research on internal gravity waves in the Martian atmosphere based on Tianwen-1 and Mars Global Surveyor occultation data

Internal gravity waves(IGWs)are critical in driving Martian atmospheric motion and phenomena.This study investigates Martian IGWs by using high-resolution data from China’s Tianwen-1 mission and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Mars Global Surveyor(MGS)by the radio occultation(RO)technique.Key IGW parameters,such as vertical and horizontal wavelengths,intrinsic frequency,and energy density,are extracted based on vertical temperature profiles from the Martian surface to~50 km altitude.Data reveal that the Martian IGWs are predominantly small-scale waves,with vertical wavelengths between 6 and 13 km and horizontal wavelengths extending to thousands of kilometers.These waves propagate almost vertically and exhibit low intrinsic frequencies close to the inertial frequency,with the characteristic of low-frequency inertial IGWs.Tianwen-1 data indicate stronger IGW activity,higher energy density,and less dissipation than MGS data in the northern hemisphere.Moreover,MGS data in the southern hemisphere show higher buoyancy frequencies and lower vertical wavelengths,suggesting more stable atmospheric conditions conducive to IGW propagation.These extracted IGW characteristics can enhance our understanding of the atmospheric dynamics on Mars and contribute valuable information for parameterization in global circulation models.

Calibration of Mars Energetic Particle Analyzer (MEPA)

The first Mars exploration mission of China(Tianwen-1)is scheduled to be launched in 2020;a charged particle telescope,the Mars Energetic Particle Analyzer(MEPA),is carried as one of the payloads on the orbiter.The MEPA is designed to measure solar energetic particles(SEPs)and galactic cosmic rays(GCRs)in the near-Mars space and in the transfer orbit from Earth to Mars.Before the launch,the MEPA was calibrated in ground experiments with radioactive sources,electronic pulses,and accelerator beams.The calibration parameters,such as energy conversion constants,threshold values for the triggers,and particle identification criteria,were determined and have been stored for onboard use.The validity of the calibration parameters has been verified with radioactive sources and beams.The calibration results indicate that the MEPA can measure charged particles reliably,as designed,and that it can satisfy the requirements of the Tianwen-1 mission.

The solar wind plasma upstream of Mars observed by Tianwen-1:Comparison with Mars Express and MAVEN

On the great journey to Mars,China’s first planetary exploration mission,the Tianwen-1 came within 26 million kilometers of Mars from 31 October 2020 to 25 January 2021 and was getting closer to its destination,the red planet,in search of answers to the cataclysmic climate change that occurred in Martian history.Both the escape of the Martian atmosphere and the loss of surface water were firmly influenced by solar activities.Tianwen-1 provided a unique chance to depict the solar wind streams between Earth and Mars during the minimum of Solar Cycle 25.During the three-month cruise phase of Tianwen-1,the solar wind flows were successively observed at Earth,Tianwen-1,and Mars.After the field of view correction and noise reduction,the solar wind velocity and density measured by Tianwen-1 show good agreement with those at Earth and Mars.The results indicate that the performance of the ion analyzer onboard the Tianwen-1 orbiter is reliable and stable.It is worth looking forward to the joint observations of ion escape with other Mars probes in the following Martian years.

End-to-end Mars entry,descent,and landing modeling and simulations for Tianwen-1 guidance,navigation,and control system

On May 15,2021,the Tianwen-1 lander successfully touched down on the surface of Mars.To ensure the success of the landing mission,an end-to-end Mars entry,descent,and landing(EDL)simulator is developed to assess the guidance,navigation,and control(GNC)system performance,and determine the critical operation and lander parameters.The high-fidelity models of the Mars atmosphere,parachute,and lander system that are incorporated into the simulator are described.Using the developed simulator,simulations of the Tianwen-1 lander EDL are performed.The results indicate that the simulator is valid,and the GNC system of the Tianwen-1 lander exhibits excellent performance.

Evolution History of Mesas in the Southern Utopia Planitia and Implications for the Ancient Oceans on Mars

As one of the prominent landforms in the Zhurong landing region,mesas are geological features with flat tops and steep marginal cliffs.The mesas are widely distributed along the dichotomy boundary.There are various interpreted origins proposed for the mesas,such as the erosion of sedimentary layers,tuyas eruptions,or surface collapse due to the catastrophic release of groundwater.We investigate the detailed morphological characteristics of the mesas on the Late Hesperian Lowland unit within the Utopia Planitia.We observe morphological evidence for both the ice-bearing interior mesas and the sedimentary origin,including(1)small pits on the crater wall and mesa cliff formed by the release of volatiles like ice;(2)lobate flows at the base of mesas formed by the melting of subsurface ice;(3)layered mesas indicating sedimentary origin;(4)grooves on the top surface of mesas formed by the volumetric compaction of sedimentary deposits.The results indicate that the mesas in the study area are formed by the erosion of sedimentary layers and representative of the Noachian oceanic sediments.We propose an evolutionary model for the mesas.This study will provide some insights into future research of ancient ocean hypothesis of Mars and interesting targets for the exploration of the Zhurong rover.

天问一号火星软着陆制导、导航与控制系统

天问一号火星探测器成功实现了我国首次火星表面软着陆,进入舱制导导航与控制系统(GNC系统)负责在火星进入下降着陆过程实施进入舱的姿态与轨道控制,确保进入舱安全着陆火星表面.介绍了执行天问一号火星EDL任务的GNC系统飞行阶段划分、系统组成、方案架构,以及针对火星EDL任务的特色设计,最后介绍了GNC系统在轨飞行结果.

“天问一号”火星磁强计伸杆机构

3 m多长的伸杆机构是天问一号火星磁强计的一个重要组成部分,用于将磁通门磁强计探头伸离卫星本体以减小卫星对磁场测量的影响。火星磁强计伸杆机构是一种多关节、铰链转轴驱动的一次性展开机构。在设计时充分考虑到了其功能性、可靠性和系统约束要求等因素。力学分析和地面验证试验表明火星磁强计伸杆机构足以承受最坏情况下的在轨环境。在经历了漫长的地火转移旅程后,火星磁强计伸杆机构于2021年5月25日成功展开。展开过程耗时约4.6 s,两个探头被送至远离环绕器本体位置,其中外侧探头距离环绕器3.19 m,内侧探头距离环绕器2.29 m。展开到位后,外侧探头处所测得的磁场大小由1250 nT减弱至不到6 nT。火星磁强计伸杆机构为后续探测任务中需在低温环境下长期贮存的空间展开机构的研制提供了宝贵的工程经验。

Entry vehicle control system design for the Tianwen-1 mission

The entry vehicle for the Tianwen-1 mission successfully landed on the surface of Mars at 7:18 AM BJT on May 15,2021.This successful landing made China the first country to orbit,land,and release a rover in their first attempt at the Mars exploration.The guidance,navigation,and control(GNC)system plays a crucial role in the entry,descent,and landing(EDL)phases.This study focused on the attitude control component of the GNC system design.The EDL phase can be divided into several sub-phases,namely the angle of attack control phase,lift control phase,parachute descent phase,and powered descent phase.Each sub-phase has unique attitude control requirements and challenges.This paper introduces the key aspects of designing attitude controllers for each phase.Furthermore,flight results are presented and analyzed.

天问一号VLBI测定轨技术

自2020年7月23日天问一号探测器发射开始,我国VLBI网一直对天问一号环绕器进行测定轨,并对祝融号火星车进行了测定位.为了满足天问一号高精度测定轨要求,完成了40多台套的软件和硬件的研发、测试和安装,并综合采用了多项技术.截至2021年6月18日,共进行了198次VLBI观测. VLBI时延平均测量误差为0.11 ns,时延率平均测量误差为0.33 ps/s.利用测距测速和VLBI数据,地火转移段和火星捕获段,天问一号测定轨误差约为2 km,环火段测定轨误差约为1 km,火星车定位精度为km级. VLBI为天问一号环绕器的轨道修正、深空机动、火星捕获、远火机动、离轨着陆等各个测控弧段的精密测定轨均做出了重要贡献,并为今后其他深空探测器精密测定轨打下了良好基础.本文对天问一号VLBI网的技术升级、VLBI测定轨技术分析、VLBI测定轨实施情况予以介绍.