This software provides a new capability for landed Mars assets to perform forward link relay through the Mars Express (MEX) European Union orbital spacecraft. It solves the problem of standardizing the relay interface between lander missions and MEX.
The Mars Operations Relay Service (MaROS) is intended as a central point for relay planning and post-pass analysis for all Mars landed and orbital assets. Through the first two phases of implementation, MaROS supports relay coordination through the Odyssey orbiter and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). With this new software, MaROS now fully integrates the Mars Express spacecraft into the relay picture. This new software generates and manages a new set of file formats that allows for relay request to MEX for forward and return link relay, including the parameters specific to MEX.
Existing MEX relay planning interactions were performed via email exchanges and point-to-point file transfers. By integrating MEX into MaROS, all transactions are managed by a centralized service for tracking and analysis. Additionally, all lander missions have a single, shared interface with MEX and do not have to integrate on a mission-by-mission basis.
Relay is a critical element of Mars lander data management. Landed assets depend largely upon orbital relay for data delivery, which can be impacted by the availability and health of each orbiter in the network. At any time, an issue may occur to prevent relay. For this reason, it is imperative that all possible orbital assets be integrated into the overall relay picture.
This work was done by Daniel A. Allard, Michael N. Wallick, Roy E. Gladden, and Paul Wang of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Daniel Broderick of the California Institute of Technology at
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Mars Express Forward Link Capabilities for the Mars Relay Operations Service (MaROS)
(reference NPO-48345) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package for the Mars Express Forward Link Capabilities related to the Mars Relay Operations Service (MaROS), developed under NASA's Commercial Technology Program. It outlines the implementation of a relay coordination system designed to enhance communication between Mars landers and orbiters, thereby improving data transmission and operational efficiency for Mars missions.
Key components of the document include the identification of relay opportunities, negotiation of pass utilization between lander and orbiter teams, and the calculation of forward and return link latencies. These elements are crucial for ensuring effective communication and data relay during Mars missions, where the distance and environment pose significant challenges.
The document emphasizes the importance of tracking and reporting modifications to the data set, as well as visualizing correlated relay information. This is essential for understanding the performance of the relay system and for making necessary adjustments to optimize operations. Additionally, it highlights the need to identify warnings and conflicts that may prevent expected relay behavior, ensuring that any issues can be addressed promptly.
The work described in the document was conducted at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at the California Institute of Technology, under a contract with NASA. The acknowledgments section credits key contributors to the project, underscoring the collaborative effort involved in advancing Mars exploration technologies.
Overall, the document serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the technical aspects and operational requirements of the Mars Relay Operations Service. It aims to facilitate better communication strategies for future Mars missions, ultimately contributing to the success of scientific endeavors on the Martian surface. The insights provided in this Technical Support Package are intended to have broader technological, scientific, and commercial applications, reflecting NASA's commitment to innovation and partnership in aerospace development.
For further inquiries or assistance, the document provides contact information for the Innovative Technology Assets Management at JPL, indicating a willingness to support ongoing research and technology development in this field.
