Low cost mission to Phobo and Deimos

The motivation to continue the exploration of Phobos and Deimos is strongly supported by the need to understand the basic scientific nature of the Mar tian moons both as representatives of the family of small bodies in the Sol ar System, and as components of the planet Mars system (see ref. 1-13). The re 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 a nd evolution of the MPD system, solution of which requires knowledge of the chemical composition of Martian moons, impact history and surface morpholo gy, internal structure etc. This investigation fits into the Mars Explorati on 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(similar to 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 pay load between 15 to 25 kg would provide for the basic instruments relevant f or the close encounter scenario. The different options studied for the init ial insertion into a capture orbit around Mars include piggybacking and the use of decommissioned ICBM's. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.