Recent and planned improvements in the Mars Global Reference Atmospheric Model (Mars-GRAM)

This paper gives a brief review of the Mars Global Reference Atmospheric Model and provides a technical discussion of recent additions and modifications. New features include a stability-limited mountain wave model, automatic comparison with the COSPAR Mars reference atmosphere, revised surface temperature parameterization, revised thermospheric model including new latitude and time-of-day variations and improved thermospheric winds, and capability to input climate adjustment factors to account for possible cooling or other changes since the Viking era. A brief plan is also outlined for future adaptation and use of Mars-GRAM in operational aerobraking applications.