Science Operations Interfaces for Mars Surface Exploration

The Science Activity Planner (SAP) is the science planning tool used for the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission. This paper begins with an overview of the software developed for MER and how it was used for science downlink analysis and activity planning. The overview of SAP is then followed by a report on a number of new development efforts that aim to improve on the capabilities of SAP for future missions. The selected areas discussed herein include the application of geographical information systems in tactical downlink analysis, new strategies for distributed data access and planning support, a virtual field test capability to support “what if?” scenarios for new technologies and mission concepts, and the use of agile development methods to improve the development of Mars surface mission support software as a whole.