Remote Analysis of Planetary Water.
Abstract
The analysis of the various forms of water occurring in the surficial material of planetary bodies is a requirement of high priority in extraterrestrial explorations. It was an initial requirement of the 1973-75 Viking project to explore the planet Mars. A scheme for identification and analysis of ice, free or adsorbed water, and water of construction based on scanning calorimetry and found suitable for the Viking missions is described and critically examined from the point of view of sensitivity and freedom from ambiguity and interferences. Data obtained from an analysis of powdered limonite and basalt exposed to conditions simulating the environment of Mars are discussed and certain instrument specifications required for a successful determination are set forth. It is concluded that a thermal method, for example, differential thermal analysis or differential scanning calorimetry combined with effluent gas analysis is well suited for surveying the amounts and states of water at the surface of Mars. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0722782
Entities
People
- Duwayne M. Anderson
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory