2012/01/09 by Geoffrey A. Landis, Steven R. Oleson, Melissa L. McGuire · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · Engineering · #Planetary Science and Exploration #Spacecraft and Cryogenic Technologies #Astro and Planetary Science
paper · doi:10.2514/6.2012-631
openalex publication_date 2012/01/09 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
The Mars Geyser Hopper is a design reference missions (DRMs) for a Discovery-class spacecraft using Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) power source. The Geyser Hopper is a mission concept that will investigate the springtime carbon-dioxide geysers found in regions around the south pole of Mars. The Geyser Hopper design uses Phoenix heritage systems and approach, but uses a single ASRG as the power source, rather than twin solar arrays, and is designed to last over a one-year stay on the South Pole. The spacecraft will land at a target landing area near the south pole of Mars, and have the ability to "hop" after a summertime landing to reposition itself close to a geyser site, and wait through the winter until the first sunlight of spring to witness first-hand the geyser phenomenon.