An environmental simulation wind tunnel for studying Aeolian transport on mars

An unique and compact design of environmental simulation wind tunnel is presented, which can reproduce conditions typical of the Martian surface, specifically atmospheric composition, pressure, wind speed, temperature, and, importantly dust aerosol suspension using Mars analogue materials. Crucial design features and how these impact the scientific goals of studying wind-induced transport of granular material on Mars will be presented. Examples are presented of the application of the facility to the development, testing and calibration of flight instrumentation which make use of characterization techniques for wind flow and dust loading. This work will be set in the context of current and future missions to the Martian surface. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.