Vanguard--a European robotic astrobiology-focussed Mars sub-surface mission proposal.

摘要: We present a new European Mars mission proposal to build on the UK-led Beagle2 and continue its astrobiology-focussed investigation of Mars. The small surface element be delivered Martian surface--Vanguard--is designed carried by Express-type spacecraft bus adopts similar entry, descent landing system as Beagle2. comprises triad robotic devices--a lander, micro-rover Sojourner class for mobility, three ground-penetrating moles mounted onto rover sub-surface penetration 5 m depth. major onboard instruments include Raman spectrometer/imager, laser plasma spectrometer, an infrared spectrometer--these provide basis in situ "remote" sensing environment within powerful scientific package. carry instruments' sensor head array sub-surface. are thus required undergo one-way trip down boreholes without need recovery or samples, eliminating much complexity invoked such operations.