Mars will be under intensive scientific study during the next years and decades. Although the main emphasis is on pure science, the similarities between Mars and our natal planet suggest that acquiring information about the evolution of Mars may help us to e.g. prevent environmental catastrophes on Earth. This is particularly true for studies related to the atmosphere and meteorology of Mars. Mars as well as other space studies thus create important spin-offs. This reduces overall expenses through better coordination and increased reliability.
Several missions are currently under study.
Finland was well represented regarding the surface stations. FMI together with the Finnish industry manufactured the central electronics units of the stations. These included the main computer and the power delivery subsystem. The power source was RTG charged battery. The station weighted about 30 kg with 8 kg of payload.