The Mars Micromission Spacecraft

Abstract

The concept of a small common Mars Micromission spacecraft design, using the Ariane-5 GTO piggyback launch opportunities has been studied over the past year by NASA/JPL and CNES. The study is based on the 200 kg ASAP twin configuration, due to its clear performance and cost advantages for planetary missions over the 100-kg ASAP configuration. The spacecraft design commonalty has been explored for the Mars 2003, 2005, and 2007 launch opportunities and for three main mission types: Probe Carrier missions, with one or more probes, measuring 40-80 cm in diameter. Science Orbiter missions, with additional fuel for orbit insertion. and Telecommunication Relay Orbiter missions, with optimal data return link.