Phobos 2

Overview

Phobos 2 was a Soviet space probe launched as part of the Phobos program, which aimed to study Mars and its moons, Phobos and Deimos. The mission was a follow-up to the Phobos 1 mission, which failed en route to Mars. Phobos 2 was launched on July 12, 1988, and successfully reached Mars orbit in January 1989. The mission was notable for its ambitious scientific objectives, which included detailed studies of the Martian atmosphere, surface, and the two moons.

Mission Objectives

The primary objectives of the Phobos 2 mission were to conduct comprehensive studies of the Martian environment and its moons. The mission aimed to:

Analyze the Martian atmosphere and its composition.
Investigate the surface characteristics and topography of Mars.
Study the interaction between the solar wind and the Martian atmosphere.
Conduct detailed observations of Phobos and Deimos, focusing on their surface composition and physical properties.
Deploy a lander and a penetrator on Phobos to gather in-situ data.

Spacecraft Design

Phobos 2 was based on the 4MV spacecraft platform, a versatile design used for interplanetary missions. The spacecraft was equipped with a suite of scientific instruments designed to achieve its objectives. Key components included:

**Imaging Systems**: High-resolution cameras for capturing detailed images of Mars and its moons.
**Spectrometers**: Instruments to analyze the chemical composition of the Martian surface and atmosphere.
**Magnetometers**: Devices to study the magnetic field of Mars and its interaction with the solar wind.
**Lander and Penetrator**: A lander designed to touch down on Phobos and a penetrator to study the moon's subsurface.

Scientific Instruments

Phobos 2 carried a wide array of scientific instruments, each tailored to specific research goals:

**VSK-F Regatta**: A television imaging system for capturing visual data of Mars and its moons.
**ISM**: An infrared spectrometer designed to study the mineralogical composition of the Martian surface.
**MAGMA**: A magnetometer to measure the magnetic field around Mars.
**AUGUST**: A gamma-ray spectrometer for analyzing the elemental composition of the Martian surface.
**TERMINATOR**: An instrument to study the solar wind and its interaction with Mars.

Mission Timeline

Phobos 2 was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome aboard a Proton rocket. After a successful launch, the spacecraft embarked on a six-month journey to Mars. Upon arrival, Phobos 2 entered an elliptical orbit around Mars, where it conducted a series of scientific observations.

The mission proceeded smoothly until March 27, 1989, when contact with the spacecraft was lost. Prior to this, Phobos 2 had successfully transmitted valuable data back to Earth, including images of the Martian surface and Phobos.

Achievements and Discoveries

Despite its premature termination, Phobos 2 achieved several significant scientific milestones:

**Martian Atmosphere**: The spacecraft provided valuable data on the composition and dynamics of the Martian atmosphere, enhancing our understanding of its structure and behavior.
**Surface Imaging**: High-resolution images of Mars and Phobos were captured, offering insights into their geological features and surface processes.
**Magnetic Field Studies**: Data collected by the magnetometer contributed to the understanding of Mars' magnetic environment and its interaction with the solar wind.
**Phobos Observations**: Detailed observations of Phobos revealed its irregular shape and surface characteristics, providing clues about its origin and evolution.

Challenges and Termination

The Phobos 2 mission faced several challenges, including technical malfunctions and communication issues. The loss of contact with the spacecraft was attributed to a malfunction in the onboard computer system. Despite efforts to re-establish communication, the mission was declared lost.

Legacy and Impact

Phobos 2, although cut short, provided a wealth of scientific data that contributed to the broader understanding of Mars and its moons. The mission's findings laid the groundwork for future Mars exploration missions and highlighted the complexities of interplanetary travel.