NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has implemented innovative maneuvers to improve its subsurface exploration capabilities. The spacecraft now performs "very large rolls," rotating up to 120 degrees, to enhance the performance of its Shallow Radar (SHARAD) instrument.
SHARAD, designed to detect water-ice up to 1.2 miles deep, has faced signal interference challenges. These new maneuvers provide SHARAD with a clearer view, significantly boosting radar signal strength and improving data quality.
Between 2023 and 2024, MRO conducted three such maneuvers, leading to substantial improvements in signal clarity and depth of penetration. In the Medusae Fossae region, SHARAD detected subsurface features at depths of 800 meters. This is a significant achievement.
These advancements are crucial for future missions, as locating water-ice is vital for sustaining human exploration on Mars. The increased signal strength also aids in understanding the planet's geological history and climate evolution. The mission team plans to incorporate these techniques more frequently.
While beneficial, these maneuvers require careful planning due to temporary repositioning of the spacecraft's antenna and solar arrays. The success of these maneuvers demonstrates MRO's adaptability and ongoing contribution to Mars exploration, even after nearly two decades in orbit.