The Mars-94 and Mars-96 missions

Abstract

The main goal of Solar System studies in Russia for the next 10-15 years is Mars and the Mars-94 project is the first stage of this long-term space programme. In October 1994 it is planned to launch a spacecraft with the following components onboard: an orbiter, two small autonomous stations to be landed on the surface of Mars and two penetrators to analyse the underlying surface layers. The main scientific objectives of this mission are to investigate the evolution and contemporary physics of Mars, and to make, using various methods, a wide range of comprehensive studies of those physical and chemical processes which took place in the past and which continue there now. The payload of the Mars-94 orbiter includes 23 scientific instruments to study the Martian surface, the inner structure of the planet, its atmosphere, and its plasma envelope, as well as instruments for astrophysical studies. The next stage of the programme is a mission to Mars in 1996. At present the Mars-96 project includes a spacecraft with an orbiter, a Martian rover, a balloon, penetrators and small stations. A short description of the scenario, payload, and scientific objectives of these missions is presented in this paper.