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S. C. R. Rafkin (San Jose State University)
Mesoscale atmospheric predictions are presented for the high priority 2003 lander locations. The simulations are carried out with the Mars Regional Atmospheric Modeling System. Simulated landing sites include: Meridiani Hematite, Valles Marineris, and Gusev Crater. All locations are characterized by highly variable wind regimes, both at the surface and aloft, that change abruptly at various times within a sol. Many of the locations have winds that approach the maximum tolerance of acceptable wind speed and wind shear during the mid-afternoon when the lander will descend by parachute and rocket. This research was funded by the JPL Mars Exploration Rover Project.