New Chemistry in the Atmosphere of Mars

The suite of chemical reactions representing atmospheric chemistry on Mars has not been updated in over 15 years. Utilizing Caltech-JPL’s 1-D photochemical model, we examine the effect of new O2(1D) and HOCO chemistry, attained via laboratory and theoretical analyses, on Mars’ oxidative capacity, NOy, and HOx budget. We also discuss the implications of this study for future missions to Mars, laboratory and theoretical studies pertaining to the state of the Martian atmosphere.