Remote sensing of Mars' ionosphere and solar wind interaction - Lessons from Venus
- Resource Type
- Report
- Authors
- Luhmann, J. G; Kliore, A; Barnes, A; Brace, L
- Source
- Advances in Space Research. 10(4-Mar)
- Subject
- Lunar And Planetary Exploration
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 0273-1177
Although the Phobos spacecraft will make some limited in situ measurements of Mars' upper ionosphere during its transfer orbits, the major part of the mission will be limited to remote sensing by radio occultation and topside sounding methods. To 'calibrate' the former as a means of studying the ionosphere and solar wind interaction, the Pioneer Venus Orbiter radio occultation experiment results are examined in light of what is known from in situ plasma and magnetic field data. This calibration can be used to reassess the data from previous Mars missions and to provide a basis for interpreting data from the upcoming Phobos mission.