Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Sep 1992
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992stin...9317194e&link_type=abstract
Presented at the Discovery Program Workshop, San Jaua Capistrano, CA, 16 Nov. 1992
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Astronomical Spectroscopy, Chondrites, Geochemistry, Image Processing, Phobos, Planetary Geology, Planetary Mapping, Space Missions, X Ray Analysis, X Ray Fluorescence, Analyzers, Cameras, Carbon, Cost Estimates, Hydrogen, Mars (Planet), Nitrogen, Oxygen, Radiation Detectors, Sulfur
Scientific paper
The Prospector mission combines high resolution visual/near-infrared imaging spectroscopy with moderately high resolution K- and L-line x-ray fluorescence mapping. These combined capabilities can be used to map the composition of virtually all solar-system objects, ranging from those that lack atmospheres (Mercury, the Moon, asteroids, and martian satellites) to the upper atmosphere of Venus. For the purpose of mission definition and development, we have focused on a mapping mission to the moons of Mars, specifically Phobos, which is an easily accessible small body of the solar system and has long been an object of intense speculation. Phobos is variously interpreted as a captured asteroid, a captured but disrupted basaltic achondrite body with anomalously low density, a comet nucleus, a body of reassembled Mars material ejected into orbit during a large impact event, a body of unknown origin but covered by an accumulation of cosmic dust and/or material ejected from Deimos, or none of the above. Multispectral observations of Phobos by instruments on the Phobos 2 Spacecraft indicate that the surface of the moon is spectrally heterogeneous, with at least four units based on extended visible color. Distribution of color ratio units are most likely caused by compositional heterogeneity and surficial processes. The composition and structure of Phobos remains a stimulating scientific question, but Phobos is much more than a cipher among planetary phenomena. The low delta(V) requirements for missions to Phobos make it readily accessible-much more so than the martian surface. The low orbital height of Phobos makes it an attractive platform for staging Mars observation and exploration. Furthermore, the possible chondritic nature of Phobos may provide a valuable reservoir of extractable H, C, N, O, and S.
Edwards Benjamin
Henrikson C. C.
Pieters Carle
Ulmer Mel
No associations
LandOfFree
The Prospector mission does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with The Prospector mission, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Prospector mission will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1093343