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A new surface atlas of Phobos will help MMX mission collect its samples
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In Short: A new research letter published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters presents a morphodynamic atlas of Phobos, aiding JAXA's MMX mission.
Scientists have created a new surface atlas of Phobos, Mars' largest moon, which will be crucial for the upcoming MMX mission by JAXA.
To develop this morphodynamic atlas, researchers began with a digital terrain model (DTM) of Phobos, capturing all surface features including grooves, lineaments, and landslides.
By mapping out acceleration vectors on Phobos' surface, the researchers identified dynamical features where vectors were organized in specific ways, providing insights into the moon's surface dynamics.
Previous research has highlighted zones of instability on Phobos, indicating areas where material is likely to be dislodged, further emphasizing the importance of this new atlas.
The MMX mission, set to launch in October, aims to reach Phobos in 2027 and return a sample to Earth in 2031, with a lot of advance work required to ensure the mission's success.
Understanding the object being sampled is essential for providing context to the collected samples, and the new atlas will help scientists plan and execute the sample gathering activities more effectively.
Despite its small size, only about 11 km in diameter, Phobos has an intriguing history that remains uncertain, making this research particularly valuable for the mission.
The atlas, created by two European researchers, will serve as a valuable tool for the MMX mission, guiding the sample return process and enhancing our understanding of Phobos.
What's still developing
- JAXA's Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission is set to launch in October.
Sources
- Universe Todaylink