  First estimations of Gravity Wave Potential Energy (GWPE) for the Martian
thermosphere are reported herein using the height profile of CO2 density
derived temperature fluctuations for different Martian seasons during the 33rd
Martian year. Explicit diurnal evolution of GWPE (for 52o to 73o latitude bin)
with a post sunset maximum is delineated for summer. The higher values of GWPE
are observed during morning, compared to post mid-night (35 o to 55 o latitude
bin) for summer. As the latitude increases from 16 o to 45 o, GWPE (1-4 LT bin)
is found to be nearly doubled for summer. Further, GWPE estimates in autumn are
6 times higher during night compared to day (-45 o to -72 o latitude bin) and
daytime ( -53 o to -72 o latitude bin) GWPE is much lower in autumn compared to
spring for all longitudes. Overall, from the available data autumn (with
respect to northern hemisphere) daytime periods appear better suited for
aero-braking operations of Martian landing missions.
