In spite of recent progress in diagnosing waves in mars atmosphere, there are many unresolved questions regarding the variability of these global-scale waves and tides, the secondary waves generated…

Atmospheric & Space Technology Research Associates LLC, operating as Orion Space Solutions, was awarded a $511,264 research grant by a civilian federal agency effective January 6, 2021, with completion targeted for January 5, 2025. The grant supports scientific investigation into Mars' upper atmosphere variability, specifically examining neutral density fluctuations in the Martian thermosphere at altitudes between 150-200 kilometers. The research leverages observational data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) and Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) missions to quantify how planetary waves, atmospheric tides, secondary waves generated through wave interactions, and in-situ solar forcing collectively drive spatial and temporal variability in the Martian upper atmosphere.

The project addresses fundamental questions regarding the degree to which solar irradiance and lower-atmospheric wave phenomena contribute to short-term upper atmosphere variability on Mars. This research represents a continuation of scientific advancement in Mars atmospheric characterization and contributes to broader understanding of planetary atmosphere-thermosphere coupling mechanisms. The award was not designated as a small business set-aside, and the work will be performed in Superior, Colorado. Orion Space Solutions brings extensive experience in space science research and atmospheric modeling, supported by prior grants and contracts with NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Defense on complementary space weather and atmospheric dynamics projects.

In spite of recent progress in diagnosing waves in mars atmosphere, there are many unresolved questions regarding the variability of these global-scale waves and tides, the secondary waves generated by their interactions, and the impacts of the entire spectrum of these waves on mars' upper atmosphere in relation to in-situ solar forcing. IT is obvious that the confluence of the relatively recent observing capabilities given by the MRO and maven missions holds the promise to significantly advance our understanding and quantification of the vertical coupling of waves in mars upper atmosphere. The overall objective of the proposed research is to quantify the spatial and temporal variability of neutral densities in mars thermosphere (150-200 KM), and to better understand the origins of this variability in terms of waves originating in lower atmosphere regions and in-situ solar forcing. IT is useful to translate this objective into three basic questions that we seek to answer as a result of this proposed research. Q1: to what degree is solar irradiance responsible for short-term (