NSSDCA ID: MARS94
The Mars 94 mission is composed of an orbiter, two ground stations, and two penetrators. The orbiter is based on the Phobos design, with a central platform holding the instruments and propulsion system, and two solar array wings extending from the sides. The radio dish extends from one side perpendicular to the solar arrays. The small stations and penetrators are mounted on the central platform. The orbiter is 3-axis sun/star stabilized. The primary scientific objectives of the mission are to characterize the surface and atmosphere of Mars. The surface goals will be accomplished by studying the Martian landscape with topographic imaging and photometry and mineralogical mapping of the surface composition. The atmospheric goals will be achieved by compositional studies of the atmosphere, mapping of wind patterns, aerosols, and boundary layer and vertical structure. The mission will also characterize the interior by study of the gravity field, magnetic field, heat flow, and seismic activity, the latter two being done by the penetrators. The orbiter will monitor the magnetosphere and plasma environment of Mars, and record Gamma ray burst activity and solar and stellar oscillations. Much of this information will be used to choose future lander/rover sites. The data from these investigations will be stored on board in the orbiter's 2 Gbit mass memory for transmission to Earth. The mission is scheduled for a September, 1995 insertion into an elliptical orbit with a 300 km periapsis. The two small surface stations will be separated from the spacecraft 3 to 7 days before the encounter and will land independently. The stations have a total mass of 33.5 kg, and the main instrument portion of the station is about 100 cm across. At separation, the stations will be enclosed in a dome slightly over 100 cm in height. The dome will open up into petals after landing, allowing deployment of the magnetometer, ion anemometer, temperature and humidity sensors, and the alpha-particle, proton, and X-ray spectrometer. The stations will be capable of transmitting at 2 or 8 Kbits/sec. The stations will examine vertical structure of the atmosphere during entry, diurnal, seasonal and annual variations of atmospheric parameters, magnetic field, seismic environment, and elemental composition of the surface. The two penetrators are long narrow, sharp-nosed tubes which have a mass of 45 kg. They will enter the atmosphere at 5.6 Km/sec, and will be slowed down by a gas-filled balloon attached to the top of the penetrator. The penetrator is designed to impact the surface at approximately 80 m/s and penetrate 6 meters into the soil. The forebody of the penetrator will separate from the upper body to allow deeper penetration. The penetrators will be examining the seismic environment, composition, and temperature of the sub-surface, and meteorology, imaging, and magnetic field above the surface.
Launch Date: 1994-09-21
Launch Vehicle:
Launch Site: ,
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Dr. David R. Williams
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