Power system options for mars surface exploration: Past, present and future

Abstract

Timeline of Mars Exploration: Within this chapter, the power systems developed and applied in Mars surface exploration applications are discussed in four different time domains: The early Mars exploration phase: 1960-1990 The recent Mars exploration phase: 1990-2000 The present Mars exploration phase: 2000-2010 Future Mars exploration: 2010+ At first, an overview of the Mars missions conducted within the different time domains is given. All Mars missions launched within the investigated time domains will be presented; this includes fly-by probes, orbiters, and landers. © 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.