The M-MATISSE mission: Mars Magnetosphere ATmosphere Ionosphere and Surface SciencE
Abstract
The "Mars Magnetosphere ATmosphere Ionosphere and Surface SciencE (M-MATISSE)" mission submitted to the 2022 ESA M-class call will investigate the global dynamic response of the Martian plasma-atmosphere system to space weather activity with observations from three vantage points: the solar wind, the induced magnetosphere-upper atmosphere and the surface. This is the first time that this type of mission will be deployed at a planet other than Earth. M-MATISSE consists of two orbiters and a lander with specific payload to observe the plasma environment from the surface to space through coordinated observations in three distinct regions. It will provide the first global characterisation of the dynamics of the Martian system at all altitudes, to understand how the atmosphere dissipates the incoming energy from the solar wind, including radiation, as well as how different surface processes are affected by Space Weather activity. It will significantly advance our understanding and forecasting of potential global hazard situations at Mars, an essential precursor to any future robotic & human exploration.