Low cost mission to Phobos and Deimos

Abstract

The motivation to continue the exploration of Phobos and Deimos is strongly supported by the need to understand the basic scientific nature of the Martian moons both as representatives of the family of small bodies in the Solar System, and as components of the planet Mars system (see ref. 1–13). There are a number of key unresolved scientific problems related to the Mars, Phobos, and Deimos (MPD) system. The main one being the problem of origin and evolution of the MPD system, solution of which requires knowledge of the chemical composition of Martian moons, impact history and surface morphology, internal structure etc. This investigation fits into the Mars Exploration Program, as the moons are part of the entire Mars system. We propose a low cost mission to Phobos and Deimos using a modest electric thruster (~ 350W) for orbital evolution within the MPD system. Such engine can empower a spacecraft (with dry mass of 100–120 kg) to fly from the Mars capture orbit to Deimos and Phobos orbits. The mass of science payload between 15 to 25 kg would provide for Ihe basic instruments relevant for the close encounter scenario. The different options studied for the initial insertion into a capture orbit around Mars include piggybacking and the use of decommissioned ICBM's.