Date of Award

Spring 2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS) in Geographic Information Science & Technology

Department

Chemistry & Geosciences

Committee Chair

M. Sean Chenoweth

Abstract

Deep Space Remote Sensing is an ever-evolving field. The very first missions into deep space were explorations that utilized trial and error, as humanity faced a new frontier of unknowns. Over these 70 years of deep space exploration, much attention has been given to our three nearest celestial neighbors: the Moon, Venus, and Mars. Mars, in particular, has been the target of much observation and study due to it being a target for future colonization. Meanwhile, the areas beyond Mars have had comparatively less focus. Asteroids and objects beyond Mars offer many new horizons for humanity to study. By using what we have learned from Martian observation and utilizing technologies that have proved their mettle in these endeavors, it can be possible to improve future missions beyond the “Red Planet.”

This research will encompass a great deal of philosophy and data and offer a deep dive into the history and development of asteroid remote sensing. Research will also be done into Martian probes, which have enjoyed almost 70 years of development compared to a mere two decades for asteroid remote sensing, and how Mars Orbiters may offer insights into further ventures into the Asteroid Belt and beyond. The goal of this research is to bring a better understanding to how asteroid and planetary remote sensing could evolve by looking at the hardware, processes, and techniques used by Martian missions, and applying them to Asteroid and outer planet missions.

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