Cited by 206Planetary Science and ExplorationAstro and Planetary ScienceSoil Mechanics and Vehicle Dynamics

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 28 of the 29 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Size‐frequency distributions of rocks on Mars and Earth analog sites: Implications for future landed missions

Open access

Golombek, M., Rapp, D.·1997·Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets

Open this paper in CoChat — free account Open PDF

Abstract

The size‐frequency distribution of rocks at the Viking landing sites and a variety of rocky locations on the Earth that formed from a number of geologic processes all have the general shape of simple exponential curves, which have been combined with remote sensing data and models on rock abundance to predict the frequency of boulders potentially hazardous to future Mars landers and rovers. Rock data from the near field of the Viking landers where dimensions can be measured accurately in stereo images and estimates from the far field of Viking 1 have convex up curved shapes on log‐log graphs of cumulative frequency per square meter or cumulative fractional area versus diameter. The rock data show a sharp drop‐off at large diameters and a progressive approach to a plateau with decreasing diameter (approaching the total rock coverage), which can be fit well with simple exponential functions. Similar shaped size‐frequency distributions of rocks are found at a wide variety of rocky surfaces on the Earth and can be fit well with simple exponential functions. This distribution is compatible with fracture and fragmentation theory, which provides a physical basis for its wide application. A combined fit to rock area data at both Viking sites was made with a general exponential function, in which the pre‐exponential is the total area covered by rocks. Simple linear height versus diameter relationships were also derived from height‐diameter ratios at the Viking sites, which suggest that rockier areas on Mars have higher standing rocks than less rocky areas. Height was then substituted into the general exponential function derived for diameter, yielding the cumulative fractional area of rocks versus height for any given total rock coverage on Mars. Results indicate that most of Mars is rather benign with regard to hazards from landing on large rocks. For total rock coverage of 8%, equivalent to modal rock coverage on Mars and the Viking 1 site without the outcrops, about 1% of the surface is covered by 20 cm or higher rocks. A lander designed to accommodate landing on 0.5‐m‐high boulders, such as the Mars Pathfinder airbag system, could land on a surface covered by about 20% rocks, similar to the Viking 2 site (which is rockier than ∼95% of the planet), with ∼1% of the surface covered by rocks of 0.5 m or higher.

The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.

Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1029/96je03319

Cites

28 of 28 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Claims the paper makes

The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.

Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

The self-check needs the paper’s full text.

Laws governing the fineness of powdered coal
Rosin, P. (1933) · Cited by 582
Paleohydrology and Sedimentology of Lake Missoula Flooding in Eastern Washington
Baker, V. R. (1973) · Geological Society of America Special Papers · doi:10.1130/spe144-p1 · Cited by 413
Relationship between fracture spacing and bed thickness
Ladeira, F. L., & Price, N. J. (1981) · Journal of Structural Geology · doi:10.1016/0191-8141(81)90013-4 · Cited by 328
Terrestrial, lunar, and interplanetary rock fragmentation
HARTMANN, W. K. (1969) · Icarus · doi:10.1016/0019-1035(69)90022-0 · Cited by 295
Derivation of the Weibull distribution based on physical principles and its connection to the Rosin–Rammler and lognormal distributions
Brown, W. K., & Wohletz, K. H. (1995) · Journal of Applied Physics · doi:10.1063/1.360073 · Cited by 270
The pattern of natural size distributions
Bagnold, R. A., & Barndorff-Nielsen, O. E. (1980) · Sedimentology · doi:10.1111/j.1365-3091.1980.tb01170.x · Cited by 243
Fracture of Brittle Solids. I. Distribution Function for Fragment Size in Single Fracture (Theoretical)
Gilvarry, J. J. (1961) · Journal of Applied Physics · doi:10.1063/1.1736016 · Cited by 235
The spatial distribution of rocks on mars
Christensen, P. R. (1986) · Icarus · doi:10.1016/0019-1035(86)90020-5 · Cited by 219
The geology of the Viking Lander 2 site
Mutch, T. A., Arvidson, R. E., Binder, A. B., GUINNESS, E. A., & Morris, E. C. (1977) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/js082i028p04452 · Cited by 188
Particle size distributions and the sequential fragmentation/transport theory applied to volcanic ash
Wohletz, K. H., SHERIDAN, M. F., & Brown, W. K. (1989) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/jb094ib11p15703 · Cited by 185

Show all 29 references

Research works printed but not linked: 9

Baker V. R., 1978, The Channeled Scabland
Christensen P. R., 1993, A simple model of clastic sediments on Mars (abstract), Lunar Planet. Sci., 285
Christensen P. R., 1992, Mars, 686
Malin M. C., 1988, Reports of Planetary Geology and Geophysics Progr. 1987, NASA Tech. Memo., TM, 502
Malin M. C., 1989, Reports of Planetary Geology and Geophysics Progr. 1988, NASA Tech. Memo., TM, 363
Moore H. J., 1988, Environment of Mars, 3‐1
Moore H. J., 1990, Reports of Planetary Geology and Geophysics Progr. 1990, NASA Tech. Memo., TM, 533
Moore H. J., 1991, Reports of Planetary Geology and Geophysics Progr. 1989, NASA Tech. Memo., TM, 60
Shoemaker E. M., 1969, Surveyor Program Results, NASA Spec. Publ., SP, 82

Sorted by citations

Two years of Visual Odometry on the Mars Exploration Rovers
Maimone, M., Cheng, Y., & Matthies, L. (2007) · Journal of Field Robotics · doi:10.1002/rob.20184 · Cited by 655
Mars Exploration Entry, Descent, and Landing Challenges
Braun, R. D., & Manning, R. M. (2007) · Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets · doi:10.2514/1.25116 · Cited by 554
Overview of the Mars Pathfinder Mission and Assessment of Landing Site Predictions
Golombek, M. P., Cook, R. A., Economou, T. E., Folkner, W. M., Haldemann, A. F. C., Kallemeyn, P. H., Knudsen, J. M., Manning, R. M., Moore, H. J., Parker, T. J., et al. (1997) · Science · doi:10.1126/science.278.5344.1743 · Cited by 302
Self-citation
Visual Odometry on the Mars Exploration Rovers
Cheng, Y., Maimone, M. W., & Matthies, L. (2006) · Conference proceedings/Conference proceedings - IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics · doi:10.1109/icsmc.2005.1571261 · Cited by 271
Selection of the Mars Science Laboratory Landing Site
Golombek, M. P., Grant, J. A., Kipp, D. M., Vasavada, A. R., Kirk, R., Fergason, R. L., Bellutta, P., Calef, F. J., Larsen, K., Katayama, Y., et al. (2012) · Space Science Reviews · doi:10.1007/s11214-012-9916-y · Cited by 279
Self-citation
Selection of the Mars Exploration Rover landing sites
Golombek, M. P., Grant, J. A., Parker, T. J., Kass, D. M., Crisp, J. A., Squyres, S. W., Haldemann, A. F. C., Adler, M., Lee, W. J., Bridges, N. T., et al. (2003) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/2003je002074 · Cited by 217
Self-citation
Novel physical interpretations of K-distributed reverberation
Abraham, D. A., & Lyons, A. P. (2002) · IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering · doi:10.1109/joe.2002.804324 · Cited by 209
Selection of the InSight Landing Site
Golombek, M. P., Kipp, D. M., Warner, N. H., Daubar, I. J., Fergason, R. L., Kirk, R. L., Beyer, R. A., Huertas, A., Piqueux, S., Putzig, N. E., et al. (2016) · Space Science Reviews · doi:10.1007/s11214-016-0321-9 · Cited by 206
Self-citation
Geology of the InSight landing site on Mars
Golombek, M. P., Warner, N. H., Grant, J. A., Hauber, E., Ansan, V., Weitz, C. M., Williams, N., Charalambous, C., Wilson, S. A., DeMott, A., et al. (2020) · Nature Communications · doi:10.1038/s41467-020-14679-1 · Cited by 169
Self-citation
Formation timescales of large Martian valley networks
Hoke, M. R. T., Hynek, B. M., & Tucker, G. E. (2011) · Earth and Planetary Science Letters · doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2011.09.053 · Cited by 158
Rock size‐frequency distributions on Mars and implications for Mars Exploration Rover landing safety and operations
Golombek, M. P., Haldemann, A. F. C., Forsberg‐Taylor, N. K., DiMaggio, E., Schroeder, R. D., JAKOSKY, B. M., Mellon, M. T., & Matijevic, J. R. (2003) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/2002je002035 · Cited by 152
Self-citation
Visual odometry on the Mars exploration rovers - a tool to ensure accurate driving and science imaging
Yang, C., Maimone, M. W., & Matthies, L. H. (2006) · IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine · doi:10.1109/mra.2006.1638016 · Cited by 150
Thermally induced stresses in boulders on airless body surfaces, and implications for rock breakdown
Molaro, J. L., Byrne, S., & Le, J. (2017) · Icarus · doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2017.03.008 · Cited by 141
The pristine interior of comet 67P revealed by the combined Aswan outburst and cliff collapse
Pajola, M., Höfner, S., Vincent, J., Oklay, N., Scholten, F., Preusker, F., Mottola, S., Naletto, G., Fornasier, S., Lowry, S. C., et al. (2017) · Nature Astronomy · doi:10.1038/s41550-017-0092 · Cited by 139
Mars outflow channels: A reappraisal of the estimation of water flow velocities from water depths, regional slopes, and channel floor properties
Wilson, L., Ghatan, G. J., Head, J. W., III, & Mitchell, K. L. (2004) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/2004je002281 · Cited by 134
Geology of the Gusev cratered plains from the Spirit rover transverse
Golombek, M. P., Crumpler, L. S., Grant, J. A., Greeley, R., Cabrol, N. A., Parker, T. J., Rice, J. W., Ward, J. G., Arvidson, R. E., Moersch, J. E., et al. (2006) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/2005je002503 · Cited by 138
Self-citation
Pre-mission InSights on the Interior of Mars
SMREKAR, S. E., Lognonné, P. H., Spohn, T., Banerdt, W. B., Breuer, D., Christensen, U. R., Dehant, V., Drilleau, M., Folkner, W. M., Fuji, N., et al. (2018) · Space Science Reviews · doi:10.1007/s11214-018-0563-9 · Cited by 134
Self-citation
Selection of the Mars Pathfinder landing site
Golombek, M. P., Cook, R. A., Moore, H. J., & Parker, T. J. (1997) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/96je03318 · Cited by 123
Self-citation
The Mars Exploration Rover Surface Mobility Flight Software: Driving Ambition
Biesiadecki, J. J., & Maimone, M. W. (2006) · 2006 IEEE Aerospace Conference · doi:10.1109/aero.2006.1655723 · Cited by 117
Selection of the landing site in Isidis Planitia of Mars probe Beagle 2
Bridges, J. C., Seabrook, A. M., Rothery, D. A., Kim, J., Pillinger, C. T., Sims, M. R., Golombek, M. P., Duxbury, T. C., Head, J. W., III, Haldemann, A. F. C., et al. (2003) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/2001je001820 · Cited by 120
Self-citation
Mars Exploration Entry, Descent and Landing Challenges
Braun, R. D., & Manning, R. (2006) · IEEE Aerospace Conference (AERO) · doi:10.1109/aero.2006.1655790 · Cited by 109
Size‐frequency distributions of rocks on the northern plains of Mars with special reference to Phoenix landing surfaces
Golombek, M. P., Huertas, A., Marlow, J. J., McGrane, B. S., Klein, C., Martinez, M., Arvidson, R. E., Heet, T. L., Barry, L., Seelos, K. D., et al. (2008) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/2007je003065 · Cited by 104
Self-citation
Rock abundance on Mars from the Thermal Emission Spectrometer
Nowicki, S. A., & Christensen, P. R. (2007) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/2006je002798 · Cited by 102
Tradeoffs Between Directed and Autonomous Driving on the Mars Exploration Rovers
Biesiadecki, J. J., Leger, P. C., & Maimone, M. W. (2007) · The International Journal of Robotics Research · doi:10.1177/0278364907073777 · Cited by 102
Terrestrial analogs to wind‐related features at the Viking and Pathfinder landing sites on Mars
Greeley, R., Bridges, N. T., Kuzmin, R. O., & Laity, J. E. (2002) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/2000je001481 · Cited by 101
Rock Abundance and Crater Density in the Candidate Chang'E‐5 Landing Region on the Moon
Wu, B., Huang, J., Li, Y., Wang, Y., & Peng, J. (2018) · Journal of Geophysical Research Planets · doi:10.1029/2018je005820 · Cited by 91
Mars Exploration Program 2007 Phoenix landing site selection and characteristics
Arvidson, R. E., Adams, D. S., Bonfiglio, G., Christensen, P. R., Cull, S. C., Golombek, M. P., Guinn, J. R., GUINNESS, E. A., Heet, T. L., Kirk, R., et al. (2008) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/2007je003021 · Cited by 90
Self-citation
Debris‐flow origin for the Simud/Tiu deposit on Mars
Tanaka, K. L. (1999) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/98je02552 · Cited by 87
Terrain trafficability analysis and soil mechanical property identification for planetary rovers: A survey
CHHANIYARA, S., Brunskill, C., Yeomans, B., Matthews, M., Saaj, C. M., Ransom, S., & Richter, L. (2012) · Journal of Terramechanics · doi:10.1016/j.jterra.2012.01.001 · Cited by 85
Surficial Deposits at Gusev Crater Along Spirit Rover Traverses
Grant, J. A., Arvidson, R. E., Bell, J. F., Cabrol, N. A., Carr, M. H., Christensen, P. R., Crumpler, L. S., Marais, D. J. D., Ehlmann, B. L., Farmer, J. D., et al. (2004) · Science · doi:10.1126/science.1099849 · Cited by 85
Self-citation
Radar-bright channels on Titan
Gall, A. L., Janssen, M., Paillou, P., Lorenz, R. D., & Wall, S. D. (2010) · Icarus · doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2009.12.027 · Cited by 87
Analysis of On-Board Hazard Detection and Avoidance for Safe Lunar Landing
Johnson, A., Huertas, A., Werner, R. A., & Montgomery, J. F. (2008) · IEEE Aerospace Conference (AERO) · doi:10.1109/aero.2008.4526301 · Cited by 80
Landing Site Selection and Characterization of Tianwen‐1 (Zhurong Rover) on Mars
Wu, B., Dong, J., Wang, Y., Rao, W., Sun, Z., Li, Z., Tan, Z., Chen, Z., Wang, C., Liu, W. C., et al. (2022) · Journal of Geophysical Research Planets · doi:10.1029/2021je007137 · Cited by 74
EELS: Autonomous snake-like robot with task and motion planning capabilities for ice world exploration
Vaquero, T., Daddi, G., Thakker, R., Paton, M., Jasour, A. M. Z., Strub, M. P., Swan, R. M., Royce, R., Gildner, M., Tosi, P., et al. (2024) · Science Robotics · doi:10.1126/scirobotics.adh8332 · Cited by 83
Environment–robot interaction—the basis for mobility in planetary micro-rovers
Ellery, A. A. (2005) · Robotics and Autonomous Systems · doi:10.1016/j.robot.2004.08.007 · Cited by 73
Planetary Interchange of Bioactive Material: Probability Factors and Implications
Clark, B. (2001) · Origins of life and evolution of the biosphere · doi:10.1023/a:1006757011007 · Cited by 81
Mission overview and key technologies of the first Mars probe of China
Ye, P., Sun, Z., Rao, W., & Meng, L. (2017) · Science China Technological Sciences · doi:10.1007/s11431-016-9035-5 · Cited by 72
Planetary rover mobility simulation on soft and uneven terrain
Schäfer, B., Gibbesch, A., Krenn, R., & Rebele, B. (2010) · Vehicle System Dynamics · doi:10.1080/00423110903243224 · Cited by 70
A geomorphic analysis of Hale crater, Mars: The effects of impact into ice-rich crust
Jones, A. P., McEwen, A. S., Tornabene, L. L., Baker, V. R., Melosh, H. J., & Berman, D. C. (2010) · Icarus · doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2010.10.014 · Cited by 64
Geomorphic and geologic settings of the Phoenix Lander mission landing site
Heet, T. L., Arvidson, R. E., Cull, S. C., Mellon, M. T., & Seelos, K. D. (2009) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/2009je003416 · Cited by 65
Assessment of Mars Pathfinder landing site predictions
Golombek, M. P., Moore, H. J., Haldemann, A. F. C., Parker, T. J., & Schofield, J. T. (1999) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/1998je900015 · Cited by 62
Self-citation
Catastrophic flood sediments in Chryse Basin, Mars, and Quincy Basin, Washington: Application of sandar facies model
Rice, J. W., & Edgett, K. S. (1997) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/96je02824 · Cited by 62
Martian surface properties from joint analysis of orbital, Earth-based, and surface observations
Golombek, M. P., Haldemann, A. F. C., Simpson, R. A., Fergason, R. L., Putzig, N. E., Arvidson, R. E., Bell, J. F., & Mellon, M. T. (2008) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/cbo9780511536076.022 · Cited by 60
Self-citation
Formation of Ravi Vallis outflow channel, Mars: Morphological development, water discharge, and duration estimates
Leask, H. J., Wilson, L., & Mitchell, K. L. (2006) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/2005je002550 · Cited by 58
Distribution of rocks on the Gusev Plains and on Husband Hill, Mars
Grant, J. A., Wilson, S. A., Ruff, S. W., Golombek, M. P., & Koestler, D. L. (2006) · Geophysical Research Letters · doi:10.1029/2006gl026964 · Cited by 58
Self-citation
An aerodynamic roughness length map derived from extended Martian rock abundance data
Hébrard, É., Listowski, C., Coll, P., Marticorena, B., Bergametti, G., Määttänen, A., Montmessin, F., & Forget, F. (2012) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/2011je003942 · Cited by 57
Particle Size-Frequency Distributions of the OSIRIS-REx Candidate Sample Sites on Asteroid (101955) Bennu
Burke, K. N., DellaGiustina, D. N., Bennett, C. A., Walsh, K. J., Pajola, M., Bierhaus, E. B., Nolan, M. C., Boynton, W. V., Brodbeck, J., Connolly, H. C., Jr., et al. (2021) · Remote Sensing · doi:10.3390/rs13071315 · Cited by 56
Thermal behavior of horizontally mixed surfaces on Mars
Putzig, N. E., & Mellon, M. T. (2007) · Icarus · doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2007.03.022 · Cited by 56
Low Cost Mars Surface Exploration: The Mars Tumbleweed
Antol, J., Calhoun, P. C., Flick, J., Hajos, G. A., Kolacinski, R., Minton, D. A., Owens, R., & Parker, J. (2003) · NASA Technical Reports Server (NASA) · Cited by 55
Rock size-frequency distribution analysis at the Chang’E-3 landing site
Di, K., Xu, B., Peng, M., Yue, Z., Liu, Z., Wan, W., Li, L., & Zhou, J. (2015) · Planetary and Space Science · doi:10.1016/j.pss.2015.11.012 · Cited by 54
Mars 2020 Entry, Descent, and Landing System Overview
Nelessen, A. P., Sackier, C., Clark, I. G., Brugarolas, P. B., Villar, G. G., Chen, A. R., Stehura, A., Otero, R. E., Stilley, E., Way, D. W., et al. (2019) · IEEE Aerospace Conference (AERO) · doi:10.1109/aero.2019.8742167 · Cited by 53
Characterization of the Candidate Landing Region for Tianwen‐1—China's First Mission to Mars
Wu, B., Dong, J., Wang, Y., Li, Z., Chen, Z., Liu, W. C., Zhu, J., Chen, L., Li, Y., & Rao, W. (2021) · Earth and Space Science · doi:10.1029/2021ea001670 · Cited by 51
Mobile In-Situ Water Extractor (MISWE) for Mars, Moon, and Asteroids In Situ Resource Utilization
Zacny, K. A., Chu, P., Paulsen, G. L., Avanesyan, A., Craft, J., & Osborne, L. (2012) · AIAA SPACE Conference & Exposition · doi:10.2514/6.2012-5168 · Cited by 51
Centimeter-resolution topographic modeling and fine-scale analysis of craters and rocks at the Chang'E-4 landing site
Wu, B., Li, Y., Liu, W. C., Wang, Y., Li, F., Zhao, Y., & Zhang, H. (2020) · Earth and Planetary Science Letters · doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116666 · Cited by 51
Analysis of Rock Abundance on Lunar Surface From Orbital and Descent Images Using Automatic Rock Detection
Li, Y., & Wu, B. (2018) · Journal of Geophysical Research Planets · doi:10.1029/2017je005496 · Cited by 48
Formation of Mangala Valles outflow channel, Mars: Morphological development and water discharge and duration estimates
Leask, H. J., Wilson, L., & Mitchell, K. L. (2007) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/2006je002851 · Cited by 47
Inflatable robotics for planetary applications
Jones, J. A. (2001) · Cited by 47
In situ fragmentation of lunar blocks and implications for impacts and solar-induced thermal stresses
Ruesch, O., Sefton‐Nash, E., Vago, J. L., Küppers, M., Pasckert, J. H., Krohn, K., & Otto, K. A. (2019) · Icarus · doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2019.113431 · Cited by 46
Boulder abundances and size-frequency distributions on Oxia Planum-Mars: Scientific implications for the 2020 ESA ExoMars rover
Pajola, M., Rossato, S., Baratti, E., Pozzobon, R., Quantin‐Nataf, C., Carter, J., & Thollot, P. (2017) · Icarus · doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2017.05.011 · Cited by 43
Terrain-Aware Path Planning and Map Update for Mars Sample Return Mission
Hedrick, G., Ohi, N., & Gu, Y. (2020) · IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters · doi:10.1109/lra.2020.3005123 · Cited by 43
A Concept Mission: Microbots for Large-Scale Planetary Surface and Subsurface Exploration
Dubowsky, S. (2005) · AIP conference proceedings · doi:10.1063/1.1867276 · Cited by 43
Derivation of martian surface slope characteristics from directional thermal infrared radiometry
Bandfield, J. L., & Edwards, C. S. (2007) · Icarus · doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2007.08.028 · Cited by 43
Assessment of InSight Landing Site Predictions
Golombek, M. P., Kass, D. M., Williams, N. R., Warner, N. H., Daubar, I. J., Piqueux, S., Charalambous, C., & Pike, W. T. (2020) · Journal of Geophysical Research Planets · doi:10.1029/2020je006502 · Cited by 41
Self-citation
Quantitative morphologic analysis of boulder shape and surface texture to infer environmental history: A case study of rock breakdown at the Ephrata Fan, Channeled Scabland, Washington
Ehlmann, B. L., VILES, H. A., & Bourke, M. C. (2008) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/2007jf000872 · Cited by 41
Probabilistic Hazard Detection for Autonomous Safe Landing
Ivanov, T., Huertas, A., & Carson, J. M. (2013) · AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference and Exhibit · doi:10.2514/6.2013-5019 · Cited by 38
Mars Exploration Rovers Landing Dispersion Analysis
Knocke, P. C., Wawrzyniak, G. G., Kennedy, B. M., Desai, P. N., Parker, T. J., Golombek, M. P., Duxbury, T. C., & Kass, D. M. (2004) · AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference and Exhibit · doi:10.2514/6.2004-5093 · Cited by 38
Self-citation
Data-driven surface traversability analysis for Mars 2020 landing site selection
Ono, M., Rothrock, B., Almeida, E., Ansar, A. I., Otero, R. E., Huertas, A., & Heverly, M. (2016) · IEEE Aerospace Conference (AERO) · doi:10.1109/aero.2016.7500597 · Cited by 37
Crater and rock hazard modeling for Mars landing
Golombek, M. P., & Bernard, D. E. (2001) · AIAA SPACE Conference & Exposition · doi:10.2514/6.2001-4697 · Cited by 34
Self-citation
A study of P‐band synthetic aperture radar applicability and performance for Mars exploration: Imaging subsurface geology and detecting shallow moisture
Paillou, P., Lasne, Y., Heggy, E., Malézieux, J. M., & Ruffié, G. (2006) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/2005je002528 · Cited by 33
The efficiency of thermal fatigue in regolith generation on small airless bodies
Mir, C. E., Ramesh, K. T., & Delbò, M. (2019) · Icarus · doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2019.06.001 · Cited by 32
ROVER MOBILITY PERFORMANCE EVALUATION TOOL (RMPET): A SYSTEMATIC TOOL FOR ROVER CHASSIS EVALUATION VIA APPLICATION OF BEKKER THEORY
Surrey, G. (2004) · Cited by 32
GPR detectability of rocks in a Martian-like shallow subsoil: A numerical approach
Valerio, G., Galli, A., Barone, P. M., Lauro, S. E., Mattei, E., & Pettinelli, E. (2011) · Planetary and Space Science · doi:10.1016/j.pss.2011.12.003 · Cited by 30
The Simud–Tiu Valles hydrologic system: A multidisciplinary study of a possible site for future Mars on-site exploration
Pajola, M., Rossato, S., Baratti, E., Mangili, C., Mancarella, F., McBride, K., & Coradini, A. (2016) · Icarus · doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2015.12.049 · Cited by 31
Validation of astrobiology technologies and instrument operations in terrestrial analogue environments
Léveillé, R. (2009) · Comptes Rendus Palevol · doi:10.1016/j.crpv.2009.03.005 · Cited by 29
Machine Learning Based Path Planning for Improved Rover Navigation
Abcouwer, N., Daftry, S., Sesto, T. D., Toupet, O., Ono, M., Venkatraman, S., Lanka, R., Song, J., & Yue, Y. (2021) · IEEE Aerospace Conference (AERO) · doi:10.1109/aero50100.2021.9438337 · Cited by 28
Rock size-frequency distributions analysis at lunar landing sites based on remote sensing and in-situ imagery
Li, B., Ling, Z., Zhang, J., & Chen, J. (2017) · Planetary and Space Science · doi:10.1016/j.pss.2017.08.008 · Cited by 28
Radar Backscatter from Mars: Properties of Rock-Strewn Surfaces
Campbell, B. A. (2001) · Icarus · doi:10.1006/icar.2000.6566 · Cited by 27
Dynamics of fluid flow in Martian outflow channels
Wilson, L., Bargery, A. S., & Burr, D. M. (2009) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/cbo9780511635632.016 · Cited by 30
The Boulder Population of Asteroid 4 Vesta: Size‐Frequency Distribution and Survival Time
Schröder, S. E., Carsenty, U., Hauber, E., Schulzeck, F., Raymond, C. A., & Russell, C. T. (2020) · Earth and Space Science · doi:10.1029/2019ea000941 · Cited by 26
A ROS-based Simulator for Testing the Enhanced Autonomous Navigation of the Mars 2020 Rover
Toupet, O., Sesto, T. D., Ono, M., Myint, S., Hook, J. V., & McHenry, M. (2020) · IEEE Aerospace Conference (AERO) · doi:10.1109/aero47225.2020.9172345 · Cited by 26
An Alternative Approach to Mapping Thermophysical Units from Martian Thermal Inertia and Albedo Data Using a Combination of Unsupervised Classification Techniques
Jones, E., Caprarelli, G., Mills, F. P., Doran, B. J., & Clarke, J. (2014) · Remote Sensing · doi:10.3390/rs6065184 · Cited by 26
Abundance and size-frequency distribution of boulders in Linné crater's ejecta (Moon)
Pajola, M., Pozzobon, R., Lucchetti, A., Rossato, S., Baratti, E., Galluzzi, V., & Cremonese, G. (2018) · Planetary and Space Science · doi:10.1016/j.pss.2018.11.008 · Cited by 25
The geology of the Viking Lander 2 site revisited
Thomson, B. J., & Schultz, P. H. (2007) · Icarus · doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2007.05.011 · Cited by 23
Mars 2020 Site-Specific Mission Performance Analysis: Part 2. Surface Traversability
Ono, M., Heverly, M., Rothrock, B., Almeida, E. A. C., Calef, F. J., Soliman, T. K., Williams, N. R., Gengl, H., Ishimatsu, T., Nicholas, A. K., et al. (2018) · AIAA SPACE and Astronautics Forum and Exposition · doi:10.2514/6.2018-5419 · Cited by 22
Degradation of Homestead Hollow at the InSight Landing Site Based on the Distribution and Properties of Local Deposits
Grant, J. A., Warner, N. H., Weitz, C. M., Golombek, M. P., Wilson, S. A., Baker, M., Hauber, E., Ansan, V., Charalambous, C., Williams, N. R., et al. (2020) · Journal of Geophysical Research Planets · doi:10.1029/2019je006350 · Cited by 22
Self-citation
Mission-directed path planning for planetary rover exploration
Tompkins, P., & Whittaker, W. (2005) · Cited by 22
Rock Size‐Frequency Distributions at the InSight Landing Site, Mars
Golombek, M. P., Trussell, A. R., Williams, N. R., Charalambous, C., Abarca, H., Warner, N. H., Deahn, M., Trautman, M. R., Crocco, R., Grant, J. A., et al. (2021) · Earth and Space Science · doi:10.1029/2021ea001959 · Cited by 21
Self-citation
Mars Pathfinder Atmospheric Entry Navigation Operations
Braun, R. D., Spencer, D. A., Kallemeyn, P. H., & Vaughan, R. M. (1999) · Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets · doi:10.2514/2.3477 · Cited by 21
Insights into complex layered ejecta emplacement and subsurface stratigraphy in Chryse Planitia, Mars, through an analysis of THEMIS brightness temperature data
Jones, E., Caprarelli, G., & Osinski, G. R. (2016) · Journal of Geophysical Research Planets · doi:10.1002/2015je004879 · Cited by 20
Application of Bekker Theory for Planetary Exploration Through Wheeled, Tracked, and Legged Vehicle Locomotion
Patel, N., Scott, G., & Ellery, A. A. (2004) · Space 2004 Conference and Exhibit · doi:10.2514/6.2004-6091 · Cited by 20
Morphologies of rocks within and near the Rock Garden at the Mars Pathfinder landing site
Basilevsky, A. T., Markiewicz, W. J., Thomas, N., & Keller, H. U. (1999) · Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres · doi:10.1029/1998je900039 · Cited by 20
Theory and experiments in autonomous sensor-based motion planning with applications for flight planetary microrovers
Burdick, J. W., & Laubach, S. L. (1999) · Cited by 20
Selection of the Mars Science Laboratory Landing Site
Golombek, M. P., Grant, J. A., Kipp, D. M., Vasavada, A. R., Kirk, R., Fergason, R. L., Bellutta, P., Calef, F. J., Larsen, K., Katayama, Y., et al. (2012) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-6339-9_18 · Cited by 21
Self-citation
Damage evolution on different scale levels
Ботвина, Л. Р. (2011) · Izvestiya Physics of the Solid Earth · doi:10.1134/s106935131110003x · Cited by 19
Exploring Mars Using a Group of Tumbleweed Rovers
Southard, L., Hoeg, T., Palmer, D. W., Antol, J., Kolacinski, R., & Quinn, R. D. (2007) · Proceedings - IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation/Proceedings · doi:10.1109/robot.2007.363080 · Cited by 19
Catastrophic rupture of lunar rocks: Implications for lunar rock size–frequency distributions
Ruesch, O., Marshal, R. M., Iqbal, W., Pasckert, J. H., van der Bogert, C. H., & Patzek, M. (2022) · Icarus · doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2022.115200 · Cited by 18
Preliminary Dynamic Feasibility and Analysis of a Spherical, Wind-Driven (Tumbleweed), Martian Rover
Flick, J., & Toniolo, M. D. (2005) · AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit · doi:10.2514/6.2005-250 · Cited by 18
Characteristics of terrestrial basaltic rock populations: Implications for Mars lander and rover science and safety
Craddock, R. A., & Golombek, M. P. (2016) · Icarus · doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2016.02.042 · Cited by 17
Self-citation
Planning for a Martian Road Trip - The Mars2020 Mobility Systems Design
Rieber, R. R., McHenry, M., Twu, P., & Stragier, M. M. (2022) · IEEE Aerospace Conference (AERO) · doi:10.1109/aero53065.2022.9843375 · Cited by 17
Modeling aeolian sediment transport thresholds on physically rough Martian surfaces: A shear stress partitioning approach
Gillies, J. A., Nickling, W. G., King, J., & Lancaster, N. (2009) · Geomorphology · doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2009.02.016 · Cited by 17

Authors: Golombek, M., & Rapp, D.
Affiliations: California Institute of Technology (US)
ORCID: Golombek, M.
Rapp, D.
Venue: Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets
Publisher: American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Published: 1997-02
Volume: 102
Issue: E2
Pages: 4117-4129
ISSN: 0148-0227 (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.1029/96je03319
OpenAlex: W2070682236
Cited by: 206
References: 29
Citations by year: 2026: 8 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 10
FWCI: 4.24
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: bronze
doi.org
Licence: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations: Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres (publishedVersion)
Funders: California Institute of Technology
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Topics: Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Space and Planetary Science › Planetary Science and Exploration
Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Space and Planetary Science › Astro and Planetary Science
Physical Sciences › Engineering › Automotive Engineering › Soil Mechanics and Vehicle Dynamics
Keywords: size-frequency distribution, rock size, Mars, Mars rover, exponential distribution, height-diameter relationship, Mars Pathfinder, landing site selection

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review

Size‐frequency distributions of rocks on Mars and Earth analog sites: Implications for future landed missions

Abstract

Overview

Integrity signals

Verification

Claims the paper makes

Claims other papers make about this one

Self-check

Citations

Cites

Cited by

Related

Metadata

Record

About these checks