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Unmanned Spaceflight.com _ Past and Future _ 2022 Mars Orbiter

Posted by: Explorer1 Feb 25 2015, 06:29 AM

Not sure where else to post this (didn't want to make a new topic): - Probably does warrant a new topic for this mission - Mod

http://spacenews.com/nasa-eyes-new-mars-orbiter-for-2022/

An Odyssey replacement for the window after the 2020 rover; but what sort of science package would be a good balance, since this isn't pure telecoms like the old cancelled MTO?
Deimos would be a good place to orbit, far enough away for high latitude coverage, and easily reachable with ion engines, as is being proposed.

Posted by: Phil Stooke Feb 25 2015, 07:15 PM

A very high resolution camera to replace HiRISE will be very desirable, if it can be accommodated. The importance of seeing rover-sized images for landing site certification, traverse planning etc. can't be overstated, so ongoing exploration will be severely hampered if we lose HiRISE, as one day we must. But not from the orbit of Deimos!

Phil