TY - GEN
T1 - Merlin
T2 - 63rd International Astronautical Congress 2012, IAC 2012
AU - Murchie, Scott L.
AU - Chabot, N. L.
AU - Rivkin, A. S.
AU - Yen, A. S.
AU - Maki, J. N.
AU - Trebi-Ollennu, A.
AU - Arvidson, R. E.
AU - Wang, A.
AU - Gellert, R.
AU - Daly, M.
AU - Reed, C. L.
PY - 2012
Y1 - 2012
N2 - Mars' moons Phobos and Deimos are low-albedo, D-type bodies. Their compositions and origins are unknown: They have been proposed to consist of highly space-weathered material like that forming bulk Mars or Mars's crust, or alternatively primitive carbonaceous material possibly like that which contributed organics and volatiles to the accreting terrestrial planets. A Discovcry-class mission conccpt, the Mars-Moon Exploration, Reconnaissance and Landed Investigation (MERLIN), will investigate one of Mars' moons scientifically using in situ measurements to test models for the moon's origin. The nominal target is Deimos, but MERLIN could also investigate Phobos instead. The scientific measurement objectives of MERLIN are to determine Deimos' elemental and mincralogical composition, to investigate its volatile and organic content, and to characterize processes that have modified its surface. These same measurements characterize physical properties of the surface and the moon's environment, providing valuable precursor information preparatory to future human exploration. To achieve MERLIN'S objectives, a landed payload will obtain stereo imaging and measurements of elemental and mineralogical composition and interior structure. An orbital payload will acquire global high-resolution and color imaging, putting the landing site in context by characterizing Deimos' geology. Following MOI the spacccraft flies in formation with Deimos, and uses small changes in its orbit around Mars to investigate Deimos from a range of altitudes and illuminations over 4 months. Data taken during 1- To 2- km altitude flyovers will certify a landing site. The spacecraft will be delivered to a point several km above Deimos, and will navigate to landing on a fresh exposure of regolith using onboard imaging. A 90-day baseline landed operations period will provide a complete set of landed measurements from a single location. Copyright
AB - Mars' moons Phobos and Deimos are low-albedo, D-type bodies. Their compositions and origins are unknown: They have been proposed to consist of highly space-weathered material like that forming bulk Mars or Mars's crust, or alternatively primitive carbonaceous material possibly like that which contributed organics and volatiles to the accreting terrestrial planets. A Discovcry-class mission conccpt, the Mars-Moon Exploration, Reconnaissance and Landed Investigation (MERLIN), will investigate one of Mars' moons scientifically using in situ measurements to test models for the moon's origin. The nominal target is Deimos, but MERLIN could also investigate Phobos instead. The scientific measurement objectives of MERLIN are to determine Deimos' elemental and mincralogical composition, to investigate its volatile and organic content, and to characterize processes that have modified its surface. These same measurements characterize physical properties of the surface and the moon's environment, providing valuable precursor information preparatory to future human exploration. To achieve MERLIN'S objectives, a landed payload will obtain stereo imaging and measurements of elemental and mineralogical composition and interior structure. An orbital payload will acquire global high-resolution and color imaging, putting the landing site in context by characterizing Deimos' geology. Following MOI the spacccraft flies in formation with Deimos, and uses small changes in its orbit around Mars to investigate Deimos from a range of altitudes and illuminations over 4 months. Data taken during 1- To 2- km altitude flyovers will certify a landing site. The spacecraft will be delivered to a point several km above Deimos, and will navigate to landing on a fresh exposure of regolith using onboard imaging. A 90-day baseline landed operations period will provide a complete set of landed measurements from a single location. Copyright
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/84883531176
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:84883531176
SN - 9781622769797
T3 - Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC
SP - 1396
EP - 1405
BT - 63rd International Astronautical Congress 2012, IAC 2012
Y2 - 1 October 2012 through 5 October 2012
ER -