5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Radar System May Help Astronauts Detect Water on Mars

By Jennifer DeLaOsa | September 20, 2018

Analog astronauts, who participate in simulated Mars missions, have successfully demonstrated a ground penetrating radar system that can detect potential dig sights for water.

Known as ScanMars, the system transmits and receives radio-wave impulses through the ground, and by analyzing the reflected signals, scientists can determine different subsoil structures.

(Image Source: OEWF – Austrian Space Forum)

The device identified water features in a Mars environment in the Dhofar region in February 2018 during the AMADEE-18 analog mission, which is led by the Austrian Space Forum. During tests, it collected 70,000 radar echoes, and 0.87 mi (1.4 km) of profiles to a depth of 16.4 ft (5 m), according to Europlanet.

The experiment results are set to be presented this week at Berlin’s European Planetary Science Congress (EPSC) 2018. ScanMars’ development is credited to Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (INAF) researchers, specifically from INAF’s Istituto di Astrofisica e Planetologia Spaziali, along with the University of Perugia.

 

(Image Source: OEWF – Austrian Space Forum)

“The innovative element of ScanMars with respect to common radar fieldwork is that the data was acquired by the analogue astronauts and not the scientists,” says Alessandro Frigeri, who will present the results at EPSC 2018. “This means that the astronauts’ training has become a key part of the experiment.”

“The data quality is very good and, even if we are not yet able to distinguish unambiguously the presence of water, we can find alluvial structures that could guide future astronauts to dig where they are most likely to find water,” adds Dr. Frigeri. “In view of the recent discovery of liquid water beneath the surface of Mars, it’s very timely to look ahead to the development of techniques that future explorers could use to analyze the Martian subsurface.”

Aside from Mars water detection, ScanMars has Earth-based merit as well. The University of Perugia has used it to analyze the 2016 Italian earthquake of Amatrice, studying fault zones.

(Image Source: OEWF – Austrian Space Forum)


Filed Under: Radar

 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

Butler Matrix
Butler Matrix drives Wi-Fi and other phased-array antennas
FAQ on the Butler matrix for beamforming: part 1
IEEE Phased Array 2024: what we saw
Harrison Osbourn, CEO Signal Hound
New Signal Hound CEO to focus on strategy, marketing, sales

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: 5G Technology
This Tech Toolbox covers the basics of 5G technology plus a story about how engineers designed and built a prototype DSL router mostly from old cellphone parts. Download this first 5G/wired/wireless communications Tech Toolbox to learn more!

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World