Chinese Space Science and Technology ›› 2025, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (3): 19-28.doi: 10.16708/j.cnki.1000.758X.2025.0035

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Review of surface environmental characteristics and terrain mechanics of Mars

Zhen, LI Xiujuan, ZHANG Rui, ZOU Meng*   

  1. Key Laboratory for Bionic Engineering Education Ministry, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
  • Received:2024-09-09 Revision received:2024-12-20 Accepted:2025-01-10 Online:2025-05-15 Published:2025-06-01

Abstract: To prevent anomalies during lander touchdown and rover exploration on the Martian surface, and to provide parameter references for the subsequent utilization of in-situ Martian resources and the preparation of simulated Martian soil for ground experiments, this study analyzes the topographical features of Mars, with a particular focus on the physical and mechanical properties of Martian soil. By summarizing images and data obtained from successfully landed missions, this study systematically examines the Martian surface terrain and soil parameters, identifies key environmental characteristics, and compiles the mechanical parameter ranges of Martian soil in the vicinity of landers and rovers. Additionally, the properties and applicability of various simulated Martian soils developed both domestically and internationally are analyzed, and appropriate parameter ranges and selection criteria for simulated Martian soil tailored to lander and rover experiments are proposed. The results indicate that Martian soil is primarily composed of fine-grained particles, with significant amounts of dust, soil clumps, and small rock fragments scattered across the surface, which is often covered by a fragile weathered layer. The upper soil layer is relatively loose, exhibiting mechanical properties similar to sandy soil, making rovers prone to sinking anomalies during exploration, potentially affecting their normal operation. The measured cohesion of Martian soil ranges from 0.10 to 9.0kPa, while the internal friction angle ranges from 18° to 35°. Further analysis suggests that the optimal simulated Martian soil parameters for lander testing are a cohesion of 0.24kPa, an internal friction angle of 35°, and a bulk density of 1.52g/cm3, whereas for rover testing, the suitable parameters are a cohesion of 0.50kPa, an internal friction angle of 18°, and a bulk density of 1.10g/cm3. These findings provide valuable references for future Mars exploration site selection, the development of simulated Martian soil, ground experiments, and the in-situ utilization of Martian resources.

Key words: deep-space exploration, martian environment, topographic features, martian regolith parameters, development of simulated martian terrain, in-resource utilization on Mars