Currently, the concurrent operation of MEX, MAVEN, and TW-1 provides a unique opportunity to explore the Mars space environment with three-point simultaneous observations, especially with one spacecraft as a real-time solar wind monitor. When combined, the instruments onboard the three orbiters fulfill all the main observational elements required to study the planet’s magnetosphere, atmosphere, and plasma environment. December 2019 marked the beginning of the 25th solar cycle, during which the sunspot numbers have quickly increased and exceeded theoretical predictions for this solar cycle. The recent sunspot numbers in January 2023 are already close to the maximum level of the past 24th solar cycle; solar activity could be extremely strong through the rising phase up to the expected peak year of 2025 [McIntosh et al., 2020]. At Mars, the much more frequent solar storms bring more chances to investigate the variations of the Mars space environment, to quantify the intense escape processes and to estimate the associated atmospheric loss over time. Here, we propose to combine the three orbiters in orbit of Mars for a comprehensive investigation of the Mars space environment. This project will also lay the groundwork for two dual spacecraft missions, including the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) mission from NASA and the Mars Magnetosphere ATmosphere Ionosphere and Surface SciencE (M-MATISSE) mission from ESA.
The actions of this international team can be categorized into the following topics:
(I) Investigating the near-Mars space environment with real-time solar wind monitoring:
- Distinguish the spatial and temporal variations of the Mars induced magnetosphere, with a focus on the critical processes including magnetic reconnection and plasma waves.
- Multi-point investigation of the escaping ions, including the ion plumes and the tailward and Marsward ion flows.
- Evaluate the effect of external (solar wind and ionizing radiations) and internal conditions (e.g., Mars’ crustal magnetic fields).
(II) Investigating ENA sources and precipitation onto the atmosphere, proton aurora, and sputtering escape
- Combine the in-situ observations and numerical models to analyze the sources, properties, propagation, and precipitation of hydrogen ENAs.
- Quantify the relation between precipitating ions, precipitating ENAs, and proton aurora.
- Find the direct link between precipitation ENA and sputtering particles and estimate the sputtering escape rate.
(III) Investigating the impact of solar eruptions on the Mars space environment
- Determine the impact timeline of solar flares, solar energetic particles, and coronal mass ejection (CME).
- Analyze the resulting disturbances in the atmosphere, exosphere, and plasma environment and their temporal evolution.
- Evaluate whether a strong CME can cause severe exosphere erosion and estimate the relevance for long-time escape rates from Mars.