Mars characteristics and needs¶
Summary. NASA's 2024 Mars Objective Mapping Tables list 115 Mars characteristics and needs (C&Ns), the step between the objectives and the use cases (2024 Mars table). Each serves one or more of 46 objectives. Only the 66 C&Ns that serve a Transportation and Habitation, Mars Infrastructure or Operations objective have use cases. The 49 that serve only science objectives have none, because in 2024 "SCIENCE OBJECTIVES HAVE NOT YET BEEN DECOMPOSED FOR MARS UCFS" (the table's own note). This page gives all 115 in NASA's wording. They are 2024 context: ADD Rev C added Mars use cases and functions for the science goals (ADD Rev C, p. 4), and the December 2025 Mars workbook lists C&N sheets but contains none (open question 42).
What a C&N is, in NASA's words, is on Lunar characteristics and needs. The method is on Objective decomposition.
How this page is built¶
- Source: the 2024 Mars table, files
c-ns.csv,c-ns-to-objectives.csvanduse-cases-to-c-ns.csv; row = the C&N ID. - Wording is NASA's as printed, slips included ("tools support", "Martian obit").
- Objectives are given by code; their 2025 use cases are on Mars objectives, and their wording on Objectives.
- Use cases are given by ID. Titles are on Mars use cases, with
two exceptions:
- †not in the December 2025 list: UC-T-210 M, UC-T-211 M, UC-T-212 M and UC-U-101 M. Their 2024 titles are on the 2024 Mars table.
- ‡ same ID, retitled in 2025: UC-U-301 M to UC-U-303 M. In 2024 they are "Identification, collection, and documentation of …" samples "from site(s)", with "in special regions" in UC-U-301 M only; in 2025 UC-U-302 M and UC-U-303 M say "from non-special regions".
- "none" means the C&N has no row in
use-cases-to-c-ns.csv. The Mars table leaves such C&Ns out, where the lunar table writes "BLANK". - Counts are the wiki's, checked against the files' row totals (115 C&Ns, 213 objective links, 164 use-case links).
At a glance¶
| Letter | C&Ns | With no use case | Objective links | Use-case links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T Transportation | 28 | 11 | 70 | 50 |
| G Infrastructure Support | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| H Habitation | 3 | 1 | 6 | 6 |
| X Human Systems | 8 | 2 | 13 | 15 |
| P Power | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
| M Mobility | 5 | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| C Communications and PNT | 8 | 1 | 11 | 15 |
| D Data Systems and Management | 3 | 0 | 3 | 8 |
| A Autonomous Systems and Robotics | 12 | 2 | 13 | 34 |
| I ISRU | 4 | 0 | 5 | 4 |
| U Utilization | 40 | 30 | 82 | 20 |
| Total | 115 | 49 | 213 | 164 |
What the lists show (the wiki's reading, from the tables below):
- 46 objectives, the same as 2025's: every LM objective and every M one, so not PPS-01 L or any other lunar-only objective (Mars objectives).
- A clean split. The 66 C&Ns that serve at least one TH, MI or OP objective all have use cases. The 49 that serve only science objectives (LPS, HS, HBS, PPS, SE, AS) have none. Science objectives reach use cases only through C&Ns they share with an Operations or TH objective, chiefly OP-03 LM (resources and samples) and TH-12 M (cargo return): CN-T-105 M, CN-T-301 M to CN-T-304 M, CN-U-301 M to CN-U-303 M, CN-U-704 M and CN-U-802 M.
- Every 2024 Mars use case sits under at least one C&N (all 113 appear in
use-cases-to-c-ns.csv). - Mars twins of lunar C&Ns. Eight Mars C&Ns have the same number and wording as a lunar LM C&N (CN-T-402, X-101, X-201, M-101, A-401, A-402, U-601, U-602). Others are worded in parallel with a lunar C&N but numbered differently. One example is the sample-return set (lunar CN-T-302 L to CN-T-310 L, Mars CN-T-301 M to CN-T-309 M). It swaps the lunar surface for the Martian, and "cislunar assets" for "deep space and Mars vicinity assets".
- Mars-only content (no lunar counterpart in wording, by the wiki's reading): planetary protection (CN-U-802 M, "Abide by planetary protection protocols, policies, and guidelines"; CN-U-803 M and CN-U-808 M, monitoring "the pre-, during-, and post-mission presence of Earth life"), sample science and boreholes on the surface (CN-U-304 M, CN-U-305 M), transitions for "biological experiments" (CN-T-110 M, CN-T-111 M), assets deployed "in advance of crew arrival" (CN-T-204 M), autonomous and remote robotics from "Earth, orbital, and/or other surface locations" (CN-A-202 M, CN-A-203 M), and science-team communication "in nonrealtime" (CN-C-105 M; the lunar twin says "in real-time").
- The 2025 links collapse this layer for the four Mars objectives checked (MI-03, OP-09, OP-10, TH-07): their 2025 use cases are exactly the use cases under their 2024 C&Ns. OP-10 LM's seven 2025 use cases are the union of those under CN-A-202 M, CN-A-203 M and CN-A-301 M (2024 Mars table).
Characteristics and needs with no use case¶
49 C&Ns, all serving only science objectives:
| Letter | C&Ns | Objectives they serve |
|---|---|---|
| T | CN-T-104 M; CN-T-108 M to CN-T-111 M; CN-T-204 M; CN-T-305 M to CN-T-309 M | SE-04 LM; HBS-01 LM to HBS-03 LM; SE-05 LM; PPS-02 LM and HBS |
| G | CN-G-201 M | SE-03 LM, SE-04 LM |
| H | CN-H-102 M | HBS-01 LM to HBS-03 LM |
| X | CN-X-202 M, CN-X-203 M | SE-01 LM, SE-02 LM |
| M | CN-M-301 M | AS-03 LM |
| C | CN-C-105 M | LPS-01 LM to LPS-03 LM, LPS-04 M |
| A | CN-A-105 M, CN-A-106 M | SE-05 LM |
| U | CN-U-102 M to CN-U-104 M; CN-U-201 M to CN-U-205 M; CN-U-304 M, CN-U-305 M; CN-U-601 M, CN-U-602 M; CN-U-701 M to CN-U-703 M; CN-U-705 M to CN-U-714 M; CN-U-801 M; CN-U-803 M to CN-U-805 M; CN-U-808 M | LPS, HS, HBS and PPS objectives; SE-04, SE-06, SE-07; AS-01, AS-02, AS-04 to AS-06 |
Twelve objectives reach no use case in 2024, because all their C&Ns are in this table. The other 34 reach use cases through at least one C&N. In December 2025 six of the twelve have use cases and six still have none:
| Objective | Its 2024 C&Ns | Use cases in December 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| SE-01 LM | CN-X-202 M | none ("BLANK") |
| SE-02 LM | CN-X-203 M | none |
| SE-05 LM | CN-T-204 M, CN-A-105 M, CN-A-106 M | none |
| AS-02 LM | CN-U-801 M | none |
| AS-04 LM | CN-U-601 M | none |
| AS-05 LM | CN-U-602 M | none |
| HS-01 LM | CN-U-701 M, CN-U-708 M, CN-U-709 M | yes |
| HS-04 LM | CN-U-711 M | yes |
| PPS-02 LM | CN-T-305 M, CN-T-309 M, CN-U-202 M, CN-U-203 M, CN-U-705 M, CN-U-706 M | yes |
| AS-01 LM | CN-U-102 M, CN-U-205 M, CN-U-702 M | yes |
| AS-06 LM | CN-U-705 M, CN-U-706 M | yes |
| SE-06 LM | CN-U-701 M, CN-U-702 M, CN-U-801 M | yes |
The 2025 column is from Mars objectives. So the six objectives with no Mars use case in December 2025 had none in 2024 either. All six are Science-Enabling or Applied Science objectives. Revision C's note on new Mars use cases names "lunar and planetary science, heliophysics science, human and biological science, and physics and physical science objectives" (p. 4), not SE or AS, yet AS-01, AS-06 and SE-06 gained use cases too. Why the six were left out isn't stated (open question 62); the pattern is the wiki's reading.
T Transportation¶
| C&N | Characteristic or need (NASA's wording) | Objectives | Use cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN-T-101 M | Implement robust transportation capabilities, where systems can support all design reference missions, to support Mars missions. | TH-05 M, TH-06 M | UC-T-108 M |
| CN-T-102 M | Provide capabilities to transport crew and system(s) between Earth, Earth vicinity, and Mars vicinity. | TH-05 M | UC-T-104 M, UC-T-105 M, UC-T-202 M, UC-T-203 M |
| CN-T-103 M | Provide capabilities to transport crew between Mars vicinity and the Martian surface. | TH-05 M | UC-T-101 M, UC-T-102 M |
| CN-T-104 M | Provide capabilities to visit one or more sites with access to multiple regions of interest on the Martian surface that can address high-priority science goals. | SE-04 LM | none |
| CN-T-105 M | Visit diverse sites on the Martian surface to address high priority science and utilization goals. | LPS-01 LM to LPS-03 LM, LPS-04 M, HS-02 LM, AS-03 LM, OP-03 LM | UC-T-102 M, UC-M-301 M, UC-M-601 M, UC-U-101 M†|
| CN-T-106 M | Provide capabilities to enable staging and/or assembly operations of crew and cargo system(s) in Earth vicinity with accessibility to Earth and to support departure for Mars missions. | TH-04 LM | UC-T-103 M, UC-T-201 M, UC-H-202 M |
| CN-T-107 M | Provide capabilities to enable staging and/or assembly operations of crew and cargo system(s) in space to enable access to deep space and Mars. | TH-05 M | UC-T-103 M, UC-T-106 M, UC-T-201 M, UC-T-204 M, UC-T-205 M, UC-T-206 M |
| CN-T-108 M | Transition crew from micro-gravity environment to partial gravity environment, following various durations in space. | HBS-01 LM to HBS-03 LM | none |
| CN-T-109 M | Transition crew from partial gravity environment to micro-gravity environment. | HBS-01 LM to HBS-03 LM | none |
| CN-T-110 M | Transition biological experiments from micro-gravity environment to partial gravity environment, following various durations in space. | HBS-01 LM, HBS-03 LM | none |
| CN-T-111 M | Transition biological experiments from partial gravity environment to micro-gravity environment. | HBS-01 LM, HBS-03 LM | none |
| CN-T-112 M | Provide capabilities to operate system(s) in uncrewed mode for mid-duration (month+) to extended-duration (year+) in Earth vicinity, Mars vicinity, and/or Martian surface. | TH-05 M | UC-H-203 M, UC-H-204 M, UC-H-205 M |
| CN-T-113 M | Provide capabilities to safely return crew and system(s) to Earth from Mars. | TH-05 M | UC-T-105 M, UC-T-107 M |
| CN-T-201 M | Provide capabilities to deliver system(s) from Earth and Earth vicinity to Mars vicinity and Mars surface. | TH-06 M | UC-T-201 M, UC-T-202 M, UC-T-203 M, UC-T-207 M |
| CN-T-202 M | Provide capabilities to return cargo from Earth vicinity back to Earth-based facilities. | TH-12 M | UC-T-209 M |
| CN-T-203 M | Provide capabilities to return cargo from the Martian surface back to Earth vicinity. | TH-12 M | UC-T-203 M, UC-T-208 M |
| CN-T-204 M | Provide capabilities to deploy assets in advance of crew arrival to minimize crew setup time for operation. | SE-05 LM | none |
| CN-T-301 M | Transfer, return, and curate a small amount (10s of kg) or a large amount (100s of kg) of unconditioned samples and containers from key destinations across the Martian surface, while maintaining scientific integrity of the samples. | LPS-01 LM, LPS-02 LM, HS-02 LM, HS-03 LM, HBS-01 LM to HBS-03 LM, SE-04 LM, AS-03 LM, TH-12 M, OP-03 LM | UC-T-203 M, UC-T-209 M, UC-T-212 M†|
| CN-T-302 M | Transfer, return and curate a small amount (10s of kg) or a large amount (100s of kg) of refrigerated sample(s), containers, and freezers from key destinations across the Martian surface, while maintaining scientific integrity of the samples. | HBS-01 LM to HBS-03 LM, TH-12 M | UC-T-203 M, UC-T-210 M†, UC-T-211 M†|
| CN-T-303 M | Transfer, return and curate a small amount (10s of kg) or a large amount (100s of kg) of frozen sample(s), containers, and freezers from key destinations across the Martian surface, while maintaining scientific integrity of the samples. | LPS-03 LM, HBS-01 LM to HBS-03 LM, SE-04 LM, AS-03 LM, TH-12 M, OP-03 LM | UC-T-203 M, UC-T-210 M†, UC-T-211 M†|
| CN-T-304 M | Transfer, return, and curate a large amount (100s of kg) of cryogenic samples, containers, and freezers from key destinations across the Martian surface, while maintaining scientific integrity of the samples. | LPS-03 LM, LPS-04 M, SE-03 LM, TH-12 M | UC-T-203 M, UC-T-210 M†, UC-T-211 M†|
| CN-T-305 M | Transfer, return, and curate a small amount (10s of kg) of unconditioned samples, containers, and freezers from key destinations across the Martian surface, while maintaining scientific integrity of the samples. | PPS-02 LM | none |
| CN-T-306 M | Transfer, return and curate a small amount (10s of kg) or a large amount (100s of kg) of unconditioned sample(s) and containers from deep space and Mars vicinity assets back to Earth while maintaining scientific integrity of the samples. | HBS-01 LM to HBS-03 LM | none |
| CN-T-307 M | Transfer, return and curate a small amount (10s of kg) or a large amount (100s of kg) of refrigerated sample(s) and containers from deep space and Mars vicinity assets back to Earth while maintaining scientific integrity of the samples. | HBS-01 LM to HBS-03 LM | none |
| CN-T-308 M | Transfer, return and curate a small amount (10s of kg) or a large amount (100s of kg) of frozen sample(s) and containers from deep space and Mars vicinity assets back to Earth while maintaining scientific integrity of the samples. | HBS-01 LM to HBS-03 LM | none |
| CN-T-309 M | Transfer, return and curate a small amount (10s of kg) of unconditioned sample(s) and containers from deep space and Mars vicinity assets back to Earth while maintaining scientific integrity of the samples. | PPS-02 LM | none |
| CN-T-401 M | Demonstrate the capability for Mars landers to safely land within a defined radius around an intended location. | MI-03 M | UC-C-202 M, UC-C-204 M |
| CN-T-402 M | Operate and gain experience with flight control and mission integration to ensure safety and mission success in nominal and off-nominal conditions. | OP-02 LM | UC-G-501 M, UC-G-502 M, UC-A-405 M, UC-A-406 M |
G Infrastructure Support¶
| C&N | Characteristic or need (NASA's wording) | Objectives | Use cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN-G-201 M | Provide curation or other appropriate facilities on Earth equipped for preserving acquired samples in their pristine state. | SE-03 LM, SE-04 LM | none |
H Habitation¶
| C&N | Characteristic or need (NASA's wording) | Objectives | Use cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN-H-101 M | Provide capabilities to conduct mid-duration (month+) crew exploration mission(s) on the Martian surface. | TH-04 LM, TH-07 M | UC-H-103 M, UC-H-105 M, UC-M-202 M |
| CN-H-102 M | Conduct short-duration (days to weeks) crew exploration mission(s) on the Martian surface. | HBS-01 LM to HBS-03 LM | none |
| CN-H-103 M | Provide capabilities that allow crew to live in deep space for Mars-duration mission(s). | TH-04 LM | UC-H-102 M, UC-H-104 M, UC-M-201 M |
X Human Systems¶
| C&N | Characteristic or need (NASA's wording) | Objectives | Use cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN-X-101 M | Provide appropriate medical capabilities (including behavioral health) that allow for autonomous crew health decision making and care, and are preparatory of a mission to Mars. | TH-08 LM, OP-07 LM | UC-X-107 M, UC-X-108 M |
| CN-X-102 M | Provide crew health and performance capabilities in deep space and Mars vicinity, including demonstration of remote and autonomous health care and advanced diagnostics. | TH-08 LM, OP-07 LM | UC-H-102 M |
| CN-X-103 M | Provide crew health and performance capabilities on the Martian surface, including demonstration of remote and autonomous health care and advanced diagnostics. | TH-08 LM, OP-07 LM | UC-H-103 M |
| CN-X-104 M | Provide countermeasures capabilities that are commensurate in scope with the human system needs for the mission. | TH-08 LM, OP-07 LM | UC-X-105 M, UC-X-106 M, UC-X-109 M |
| CN-X-105 M | Provide crew survival capabilities in deep space, Mars vicinity, and on the Martian surface, including safe havens, system supportability, and/or aborts, for nominal and off-nominal scenarios. | TH-08 LM, OP-07 LM | UC-G-401 M, UC-G-402 M, UC-X-101 M to UC-X-104 M |
| CN-X-201 M | Operate and gain experience with in-situ training and planning capabilities to ensure safety and mission success. | OP-02 LM | UC-H-201 M, UC-X-201 M |
| CN-X-202 M | Train astronauts to be field scientists and to perform additional science tasks during crewed missions, through integrated geology, field and EVA ops and classroom training. | SE-01 LM | none |
| CN-X-203 M | Train Earth-based scientists to support crew activities asynchronously. | SE-02 LM | none |
P Power¶
| C&N | Characteristic or need (NASA's wording) | Objectives | Use cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN-P-101 M | Provide power generation, energy storage, and power distribution system(s) on the Martian surface to support large exploration assets. | MI-01 M | UC-P-101 M, UC-P-301 M |
| CN-P-102 M | Provide power generation, energy storage, and power distribution system(s) on the Martian surface to allow power utilization to support assets at multiple distributed locations around exploration sites. | MI-01 M | UC-P-102 M, UC-P-302 M |
| CN-P-103 M | Provide power generation, energy storage, and power distribution system(s) on the Martian surface that are able to supply continuous power availability during crew safety critical mission operations and are able to support contingency operations. | MI-01 M | UC-P-103 M, UC-P-501 M |
M Mobility¶
| C&N | Characteristic or need (NASA's wording) | Objectives | Use cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN-M-101 M | Operate and gain experience with capabilities to conduct extravehicular activities utilizing mobility assets and tools. | OP-05 LM | UC-G-402 M, UC-M-101 M |
| CN-M-102 M | Provide capabilities to enable crew transition in/out of habitable space to conduct EVA activities. | TH-07 M | UC-M-202 M |
| CN-M-301 M | Provide mobility capabilities to conduct prospecting traverses with appropriate scientific instrumentation and drill capabilities over sites of interest. | AS-03 LM | none |
| CN-M-401 M | Provide capabilities to unload cargo from delivery system(s). | TH-06 M | UC-M-401 M |
| CN-M-501 M | Operate and gain experience with capabilities to transport crew and cargo between landing, exploration, and utilization sites at varying distances from assets on the Martian surface. | OP-05 LM | UC-M-301 M, UC-M-601 M |
C Communications and PNT¶
| C&N | Characteristic or need (NASA's wording) | Objectives | Use cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN-C-101 M | Provide communication system(s) to enable high-bandwidth, high-availability communications between Earth-based personnel, surface crew, and assets on the surface. | MI-02 M | UC-C-101 M, UC-C-102 M, UC-C-107 M |
| CN-C-102 M | Provide communication system(s) to enable high-bandwidth, high-availability communications between Earth-based personnel, in-space crew, and in-space assets. | MI-02 M | UC-C-104 M, UC-C-105 M, UC-C-108 M |
| CN-C-103 M | Provide communication system(s) to enable high-bandwidth, high-availability communications between in-space crew, surface crew, and assets on the surface. | MI-02 M | UC-C-102 M, UC-C-103 M, UC-C-107 M, UC-C-108 M |
| CN-C-104 M | Provide communication capabilities to allow NASA to inspire and inform the general public, students, and teachers by enabling them to interact, learn about, and experience missions in a direct and tangible way. | MI-02 M | UC-C-109 M, UC-C-110 M |
| CN-C-105 M | Provide the ability for the Science Team to directly or indirectly communicate in nonrealtime via either written or verbal means with the crew for EVA and IVA activities. | LPS-01 LM to LPS-03 LM, LPS-04 M | none |
| CN-C-201 M | Provide navigation, positioning, and timing system(s) to enable high-availability navigation and tracking in deep space and in Mars vicinity. | MI-03 M | UC-C-203 M |
| CN-C-202 M | Provide navigation, positioning, and timing system(s) to enable high-availability navigation and tracking on the Martian surface. | MI-03 M | UC-C-202 M |
| CN-C-203 M | Provide system(s) to enable accurate location identification, tracking, and documentation of collected surface samples. | MI-03 M | UC-C-201 M |
D Data Systems and Management¶
| C&N | Characteristic or need (NASA's wording) | Objectives | Use cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN-D-101 M | Provide capabilities to integrate networks and mission systems to exchange data between Earth-based systems, in-space exploration assets, and surface exploration assets. | OP-04 LM | UC-C-101 M to UC-C-105 M |
| CN-D-102 M | Provide capabilities to utilize common data interface(s) for exchanges between Earth-based systems, in-space exploration assets, and surface exploration assets. | OP-04 LM | UC-C-106 M |
| CN-D-103 M | Provide capabilities to store and protect data on exploration assets. | OP-04 LM | UC-C-107 M, UC-C-108 M |
A Autonomous Systems and Robotics¶
| C&N | Characteristic or need (NASA's wording) | Objectives | Use cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN-A-101 M | Provide appropriate robotic system(s) that can conduct or assist in tasks that would otherwise be performed by the crew alone in Mars vicinity or deep space. | TH-10 M | UC-M-402 M |
| CN-A-102 M | Provide appropriate robotic system(s) that can conduct or assist in tasks that would otherwise be performed by the crew alone on the Martian surface. | TH-10 M | UC-M-403 M |
| CN-A-103 M | Demonstrate the capabilities to operate appropriate robotic system(s) that can conduct or assist in tasks that would otherwise be performed by the crew alone on the Martian surface. | OP-09 LM | UC-A-101 M to UC-A-105 M |
| CN-A-104 M | Demonstrate the capabilities to operate appropriate robotic system(s) that can conduct or assist in tasks that would otherwise be performed by the crew alone in deep space and/or Mars vicinity. | OP-09 LM | UC-A-106 M, UC-A-107 M, UC-A-108 M |
| CN-A-105 M | Conduct robotic surveys of potential landing sites, including video and in-situ measurements. | SE-05 LM | none |
| CN-A-106 M | Provide appropriate robotic tools support acquisition of samples, including dust, soil, sand, hand-sized rock samples, and drill cores, manufactured in accordance with science requirements to minimize sample contamination. | SE-05 LM | none |
| CN-A-201 M | Demonstrate capabilities to allow in-space and surface crew to control and command robotic system(s). | OP-09 LM | UC-C-301 M, UC-C-302 M, UC-C-303 M |
| CN-A-202 M | Demonstrate autonomous and remote operations of robotic surface systems from external systems, including Earth, orbital, and/or other surface locations. | OP-10 LM | UC-C-302 M, UC-A-403 M |
| CN-A-203 M | Demonstrate autonomous and remote operations of in-space robotic systems from external systems, including Earth, orbital, and/or other surface locations. | OP-10 LM | UC-C-303 M, UC-A-404 M |
| CN-A-301 M | Demonstrate the capability for safe and effective interactions between crew and automated/autonomous system(s). | OP-09 LM, OP-10 LM | UC-A-201 M, UC-A-202 M, UC-A-301 M |
| CN-A-401 M | Operate and gain experience with onboard autonomous system(s) and crew autonomy to train, plan, and execute safe mission(s) with reduced reliance on Earth based systems. | OP-02 LM | UC-H-101 M, UC-H-108 M, UC-H-201 M, UC-X-201 M, UC-A-301 M, UC-A-401 M to UC-A-404 M |
| CN-A-402 M | Operate and gain experience with remote & autonomous system(s) to reduce crew workload. | OP-02 LM | UC-H-101 M, UC-H-108 M, UC-C-301 M, UC-A-301 M, UC-A-403 M |
I ISRU¶
| C&N | Characteristic or need (NASA's wording) | Objectives | Use cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN-I-101 M | Demonstrate the capabilities to recover excess fluids and gases, including propellant residuals, from Mars landers and separation of products. | OP-12 LM | UC-M-602 M |
| CN-I-102 M | Deploy scalable ISRU demonstration exploration asset(s) on the Martian surface. | MI-04 M | UC-M-404 M |
| CN-I-103 M | Operate demonstration exploration asset(s) on the Martian surface to collect, produce, store, and transfer commodities, including water, oxygen and/or fuel, for potential use. | MI-04 M, OP-11 LM | UC-I-102 M |
| CN-I-104 M | Demonstrate the capability to use surface-borne resources for potential construction and/or manufacturing on the Martian surface. | OP-11 LM | UC-I-201 M |
U Utilization¶
| C&N | Characteristic or need (NASA's wording) | Objectives | Use cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN-U-101 M | Demonstrate the capability to identify and locate potential site(s) for resource utilization. | MI-04 M, OP-03 LM | UC-U-102 M |
| CN-U-102 M | Provide system(s) to monitor deep space, Martian orbit, and Martian surface natural environments, including space weather, meteoroids, cosmic weather, thermal conditions, and plasma environments, and provide Earth-independent early warnings to in-space and surface assets and crew. | AS-01 LM | none |
| CN-U-103 M | Provide in-space system(s) to monitor deep space, Martian orbit, and Martian surface natural environments, including incoming and albedo radiation. | HBS-01 LM | none |
| CN-U-104 M | Provide surface system(s) to monitor deep space, Martian orbit, and Martian surface natural environments, including incoming and albedo radiation. | HBS-01 LM | none |
| CN-U-105 M | Provide appropriate environmental monitoring capabilities that enables inflight crew health decision making and mitigation of relevant system/vehicle hazards. | TH-08 LM | UC-H-106 M, UC-H-107 M |
| CN-U-106 M | Demonstrate the capabilities to locate, access, and reuse surface assets from previous crewed and uncrewed missions. | OP-08 LM | UC-M-602 M, UC-U-501 M, UC-U-803 M, UC-U-804 M |
| CN-U-201 M | Provide intravehicular activity facilities (e.g., instruments, racks, stowage, power) on the Martian surface and/or in Martian orbit to enable biological science analysis and human research. | HBS-01 LM to HBS-03 LM | none |
| CN-U-202 M | Provide intravehicular activity accommodations (e.g., instruments, racks, stowage, power) in deep space and Mars vicinity to enable fundamental physics experiments. | PPS-02 LM | none |
| CN-U-203 M | Provide intravehicular activity accommodations (e.g., instruments, racks, stowage, power) on the Martian surface to enable fundamental physics experiments. | PPS-02 LM | none |
| CN-U-204 M | Provide intravehicular activity accommodations (e.g., instruments, racks, stowage, power) during transits in deep space and/or Mars vicinity to enable biological science analysis and human research. | HBS-01 LM to HBS-03 LM | none |
| CN-U-205 M | Provide capabilities to enable strategic pointing, e.g., Sun-facing, for external utilization payloads on orbital and transit platforms. | AS-01 LM | none |
| CN-U-301 M | Identify, collect, and document deep subsurface samples from key destinations on the Martian surface, with the potential to contain volatiles or biologics, while maintaining scientific integrity of the samples. | LPS-03 LM, LPS-04 M, HS-02 LM, SE-03 LM, SE-04 LM, AS-03 LM, OP-03 LM | UC-U-303 M‡ |
| CN-U-302 M | Identify, collect, and document surface and shallow subsurface samples from key destinations in special regions on the Martian surface, while maintaining scientific integrity of the samples. | LPS-03 LM, LPS-04 M, SE-04 LM, AS-03 LM, OP-03 LM | UC-U-301 M‡ |
| CN-U-303 M | Identify, collect, and document surface and shallow subsurface samples from key destinations on the Martian surface, while maintaining scientific integrity of the samples. | LPS-01 LM to LPS-03 LM, LPS-04 M, HS-02 LM, HS-03 LM, SE-04 LM, AS-03 LM, OP-03 LM | UC-U-302 M‡ |
| CN-U-304 M | Provide capabilities for conducting sample science, including preliminary analysis for geochemistry, mineralogy, and organic content, and solution chemistry of the soluble component of solid samples as well as ice and/or liquid samples on the Martian surface. | LPS-02 LM, LPS-03 LM, LPS-04 M, SE-04 LM | none |
| CN-U-305 M | Conduct borehole measurements at varying depths, including ionizing radiation and heat flow. | LPS-02 LM, LPS-03 LM, LPS-04 M | none |
| CN-U-601 M | Demonstrate operation of bioregenerative ECLSS sub-systems in LEO and/or deep space. | AS-04 LM | none |
| CN-U-602 M | Demonstrate operation of plant based ECLSS sub-systems in LEO and/or deep space. | AS-05 LM | none |
| CN-U-701 M | Deploy and operate utilization payload(s) in deep space, during Mars transit, and in Martian orbit relevant to addressing the associated science objectives. | HS-01 LM, SE-06 LM | none |
| CN-U-702 M | Deploy and operate utilization payload(s) and equipment on the Martian surface at locations relevant to addressing associated science objectives. | SE-06 LM, AS-01 LM | none |
| CN-U-703 M | Deploy and operate internal and external utilization payload(s) and equipment addressing biological science analysis and human research at key destinations across the Martian surface for a minimum of mid-durations (month+) missions. | HBS-01 LM to HBS-03 LM | none |
| CN-U-704 M | Deploy and operate exploration asset(s), related to available resources, at key destinations across the Martian surface. | AS-03 LM, OP-03 LM | UC-M-401 M, UC-C-301 M, UC-I-101 M |
| CN-U-705 M | Deploy and operate utilization payload(s) and equipment, related to the physical systems and fundamental physics, in deep space and in Mars vicinity. | PPS-02 LM, AS-06 LM | none |
| CN-U-706 M | Deploy and operate utilization payload(s) and equipment, related to the physical systems and fundamental physics, at areas of key scientific interest on the Martian surface. | PPS-02 LM, AS-06 LM | none |
| CN-U-707 M | Deploy and operate internal and external utilization payload(s) and equipment in deep space, during Mars transit, and in Mars vicinity relevant to addressing biological science analysis and human research objectives for a minimum of mid-duration (month+) missions. | HBS-01 LM to HBS-03 LM | none |
| CN-U-708 M | Deploy and operate utilization payload(s), related to in-space weather, at distributed sites on the Martian surface. | HS-01 LM | none |
| CN-U-709 M | Provide capabilities for local data storage and processing to enable Earth-independent space weather forecasting. | HS-01 LM | none |
| CN-U-710 M | Deploy and operate utilization payloads and equipment, related to fundamental plasma processes, at designated locations on the Martian surface. | HS-03 LM | none |
| CN-U-711 M | Deploy and operate science package(s), related to the magnetotail and solar wind, in Martian obit. | HS-04 LM | none |
| CN-U-712 M | Deploy and operate utilization payload(s), related to understanding impact chronology, at distributed sites on the Martian surface. | LPS-01 LM | none |
| CN-U-713 M | Deploy and operate utilization payload(s) and equipment, related to geologic processes, at key destinations across the Martian surface, for mid-durations (month+) to long-durations (year+). | LPS-02 LM | none |
| CN-U-714 M | Deploy and operate utilization payload(s) and equipment, related to Solar System volatiles, at key destinations across the Martian surface. | LPS-03 LM | none |
| CN-U-801 M | Coordinate delivery and deployment of utilization payloads in Martian orbit and on the Martian surface to address associated science objectives. | SE-06 LM, AS-02 LM | none |
| CN-U-802 M | Abide by planetary protection protocols, policies, and guidelines. | SE-07 LM, OP-12 LM | UC-U-801 M, UC-U-802 M, UC-U-805 M, UC-U-806 M, UC-U-807 M |
| CN-U-803 M | Monitor the pre-, during-, and post-mission presence of Earth life around representative features of special interest to help determine the degree of terrestrial contamination caused by a human mission and the contamination lifetime on the surface. | SE-07 LM | none |
| CN-U-804 M | Protect sites of historic significance. | SE-07 LM | none |
| CN-U-805 M | Minimize environmental impacts on the Martian surface to preserve scientific integrity for future exploration. | LPS-03 LM, LPS-04 M, SE-07 LM | none |
| CN-U-806 M | Demonstrate the capabilities to service and/or upgrade assets. | OP-08 LM | UC-G-402 M |
| CN-U-807 M | Implement end-of-life strategies for transportation systems to ensure future viable usage of exploration sites on the Martian surface. | TH-06 M | UC-U-805 M |
| CN-U-808 M | Monitor the pre-, during-, and post-mission presence of Earth life at various distances from the landing site to help determine the degree of terrestrial contamination caused by a human mission and the contamination lifetime on the surface. | LPS-03 LM, LPS-04 M | none |
Pairings and wording to note¶
Recorded as printed; none is corrected. The observations are the wiki's.
- Propellant recovery. CN-I-101 M, recovering "propellant residuals, from Mars landers", has one use case, UC-M-602 M (finding and moving to "a site where an asset from a previous mission is located"). The propellant-recovery use case, UC-U-501 M, sits under CN-U-106 M, reusing surface assets.
- Landing under PNT. CN-T-401 M, precision landing, serves MI-03 M, the Mars PNT objective, and has the PNT and landing-demonstration use cases (UC-C-202 M, UC-C-204 M) under it.
- Planetary protection. CN-U-802 M carries five stewardship and contamination-control use cases. CN-U-803 M and CN-U-808 M (monitoring for Earth life) have none. Both speak of "representative features of special interest" or distances "from the landing site"; neither uses "special regions", which appears in CN-U-302 M (open question 61).
- Slips: "robotic tools support acquisition" (CN-A-106 M; the lunar twin says "tools to support"), "in Martian obit" (CN-U-711 M), "minimum of mid-durations (month+) missions" (CN-U-703 M).
Related pages¶
Lunar characteristics and needs · Mars objectives · Objectives: the ten goals · Mars use cases · Mars functions · Objective decomposition · Humans to Mars · Planetary protection · 2024 Mars table · 2025 Mars decomposition
Sources¶
2024 Mars table, files c-ns.csv,
c-ns-to-objectives.csv, use-cases-to-c-ns.csv and full-decomp-merged.csv (first row) ·
ADD Rev C, pp. 3–4 ·
2025 Mars decomposition, "Use Cases to
Objectives" and key sheets