Mars Global Reference Atmospheric Model 2010 Version

The Mars Global Reference Atmospheric Model (Mars-GRAM) is an engineering-level atmospheric model widely used for diverse mission applications. Applications include systems design, performance analysis, and operations planning for aerobraking, entry, descent and landing, and aerocapture. Mars-GRAM has been utilized during the aerobraking operations of Mars Global Surveyor (MGS),1 Mars Odyssey (ODY), and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). Mars- GRAM has also been used in the prediction and validation of Mars Pathfinder hypersonic aerodynamics, 2 the aerothermodynamic and entry dynamics studies for Mars Polar Lander,3 the Mars Aerocapture System Study, as well as the Aerocapture Technology Assessment Group. Mars-GRAM versions4-8 prior to Mars-GRAM 2000 were based on ad hoc parameterizations to data observed by the Mariner and Viking missions. Mars-GRAM 2000,9 Mars-GRAM 2001, Mars-GRAM 2005, and the current version, Mars-GRAM 2010, are based on input data tables derived from output results from the NASA Ames Mars General Circulation Model (MGCM)10,11 and the University of Michigan Mars Thermospheric General Circulation Model (MTGCM).12,13 Section 1 provides an overview of Mars-GRAM 2010. Section 2 of this Technical Memorandum describes the MGCM and MTGCM data and how they are applied in Mars-GRAM. The new features of Mars-GRAM 2010 are described in section 3. Section 4 explains how to obtain the Mars-GRAM code and data files and how to set up and run the program. Sample results are presented in section 5. Appendices A-F provide additional details of Mars-GRAM 2010 input and output files and how to interpret program results. Appendix G describes several auxiliary programs that are provided with Mars-GRAM 2010.