International Mars Ice Mapper Mission

High school (ages 12+)
Space & Astronomy

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/international-mars-ice-mapper-mission

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the mission classification?Proposed exploration precursor mission
2. What is the primary scientific objective?Quantification of water ice extent and volume in Martian non-polar regions
3. Why do scientists want to find ice in the non‑polar parts of Mars?Because ice there is easier to reach and could give water, food, and even rocket fuel for people who want to live on Mars.
4. How will the robot find ice underground?It will use a special radar that sends radio waves into the ground and listens for echoes that show where ice is hidden.

Exploration Precursor Mission: A mission designed to gather essential data and prepare for future, more complex exploration efforts.
In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU): The concept of using local resources on another celestial body to support human activities and reduce Earth-dependent logistics.
Regolith: The layer of loose, heterogeneous superficial deposits covering solid rock, including dust, soil, and broken rock.