York  University
MAPLE: Mars Atmospheric Panoramic Camera and  Laser Experiment — PI: Dr. John  Moores. Understanding  the nature of the dust and ice aerosols near the surface of Mars is important  to fully understand the Martian atmosphere, in preparation for human  exploration. A dedicated atmospheric camera to perform optical  meteorology could meet this need. The MAPLE project aims to advance the  development of a small panoramic camera system developed for spaceflight and  intended to be used to investigate the Martian atmosphere from the surface. The  instrument will be enhanced in order to allow the MAPLE system to examine the  vertical distribution of dust and ice aerosols near the surface and to determine  the size and shape of these particles. As our models of the Martian environment  are derived from terrestrial weather forecasting models, proper validation on  Mars will improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasting on Earth.