MASER: A Mars meteorology and seismology mini-network mission concept enabled by Milliwatt-RPS

A design reference mission (MASER - Meteorology and Seismology Enabled by Radioisotopes) for a Mars mini-network is presented. Four hard landers using parachutes and crushable impact attenuators would be deployed in the polar plains north of the Tharsis bulge to perform seismic and meteorological measurements throughout a Martian year (including the dark winter). Operation throughout the polar winter is only possible through the use of a power subsystem that would rely upon six Radioisotope Heater Units (RHUs), providing ~240mWe.