MERLIN: Mars-Moon Exploration, Reconnaissance and Landed Investigation
- Paper number
IAC-12,A3,3A,7,x13775
- Author
Dr. Scott Murchie, JHU Applied Physics Laboratory, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Nancy Chabot, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Andrew Rivkin, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Albert Yen, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Justin Maki, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Ashitey Trebi-Ollennu, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. R. E. Arvidson, Washington University in St. Louis, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Alian Wang, Washington University in St. Louis, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Ralf Gellert, University of Guelph, Canada
- Coauthor
Dr. Michael Daly, York University, Canada
- Coauthor
Ms. Cheryl Reed, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, United States
- Year
2012
- Abstract
Mars' moons Phobos and Deimos are low-albedo, D-type bodies. Leading hypotheses for the moons' origins are capture of primitive asteroids that preserve samples of organics and volatiles incorporated into the accreting terrestrial planets, and formation from material like that constituting Mars that has subsequently been altered by space weathering. Determining the moons' compositions and origins will provide fundamental insights into formation of the terrestrial planets and an assessment of in situ resources for future human exploration of the Mars system. A Discovery-class mission concept, the Mars-Moon Exploration, Reconnaissance and Landed Investigation (MERLIN), will investigate Deimos from orbit and in situ to test models for this moon's composition and origin. The scientific measurement objectives of MERLIN are to determine Deimos' elemental and mineralogical composition, to investigate its volatile and organic content, and to characterize processes that modify its surface. Following Mars orbit insertion, the MERLIN spacecraft 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. An orbital payload will acquire global imaging, putting the landing site in context by characterizing Deimos' geology. Data taken during low altitude flyovers will certify a landing site. The spacecraft will land on a fresh regolith expoosed on an albedo streamer. A landed payload will provide stereo imaging and measurements of elemental and mineralogical composition and interior structure.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
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