Mars Micro Orbiter
This article will address the issue of Mars Micro Orbiter, which has gained relevance in recent times due to its impact on society. Different aspects related to Mars Micro Orbiter will be explored, from its origin to its influence in different areas, including its implications in people's daily lives. The different perspectives that exist around Mars Micro Orbiter will be analyzed, as well as the possible challenges and opportunities it represents. This article seeks to deepen the knowledge about Mars Micro Orbiter and generate reflection on its importance in the current context.
Mars Micro Orbiter (MMO) is a spacecraft mission concept that would place a small and inexpensive satellite in orbit around the planet Mars to study some aspects of the Mars atmosphere in visible and infrared wavelengths.
The orbiter study will undergo a preliminary design review in March 2018, potentially launching as a secondary payload on another mission in 2020.
Overview
In April 2015, NASA's Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration (SIMPLEx) program requested proposals for interplanetary CubeSat investigations, and received 22 submissions.[1] The MMO was not selected for launch, but in 2017 it was awarded grants[2][3] for further technology development.[1]
In 2015, the concept considered a 6U CubeSat with potential to also serve as an orbital communication relay for Mars surface-based missions,[4] and by 2017 it had evolved to a 12U CubeSat;[5] that is about 16 kg, and measuring 20×20×30 cm. The orbiter study will undergo a preliminary design review in March 2018,[5] potentially launching as a secondary payload on another mission[5] in 2020.[2]
The Principal Investigator is Michael Malin, from Malin Space Science Systems.[4][5]
Objectives
The MMO would study the Mars atmosphere in visible and infrared wavelengths from Mars orbit.[4] The science measurements include: [4]
- atmospheric thermal structure, dust and condensate clouds, and seasonal and perennial polar cap behavior.
- characterize the dynamics and energy budget of the current Mars atmosphere.
- support present and future Mars missions.
- help characterize present-day habitability.
- potential to provide orbital communication relay for Mars surface-based missions.
See also
- Atmospheric orbiters at Mars
References
- ^ a b NASA's Space Cubes: Small Satellites Provide Big Payoffs Archived 2019-06-17 at the Wayback Machine. Brian Dunbar NASA TV. 8 September 2015.
- ^ a b "Contract NNX17AG06G Malin Space Science Systems". Retrieved 2025-01-11.
- ^ Sampling of Recent Federal Government Funding Actions/Set Asides Archived 2018-02-26 at the Wayback Machine – Mars Micro Orbiter Mission. 7 September 2017.
- ^ a b c d Planetary Science Division Status Report. (PDF) James L. Green. NASA, Planetary Science Division. October 20, 201520 October 2015.
- ^ a b c d NASA Mars exploration efforts turn to operating existing missions and planning sample return. Jeff Foust, SpaceNews. 23 February 2018.
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