Mars 96 Penetrators
Main Scientific Objectives
Imaging of the Martian surface
Data on meteorology of the planet
Chemistry of rocks
Water content in Martian rocks
Seismic activity of Mars
Physical and mechanical characteristics of Martian regolith
Magnetic field and magnetic properties of rocks
Scientific Payload
Main Performance Characteristics
Entry velocity 5.6 km/s
Impact velocity 80 ± 20 m/s
Impact-induced overloading < 500 g
Maximum penetration depth 5 to 6 m
Mass of penetrator 45 kg
Mass of scientific package 4.5 kg
Active lifetime 1 year
Entry and Landing
The penetrators will be carried into martian orbit by the Mars
96 Orbiter. After several orbit maneuvers, taking between 7 and 28
days, to phase the orbit for communications to Earth, the Orbiter will
be oriented in space for each penetrator release. After orienting the
Orbiter, the penetrator to be released will be spun about its
longitudinal axis for stability and released. The penetrator's solid
rocket motor will be ignited after moving a safe distance away from
the Orbiter; the burn will place the penetrator into a atmospheric
entry trajectory. Entry occurs 21-22 hours later. It is possible to
deploy both penetrators on a single orbit. In the martian atmosphere,
the probes undergo aerodynamic braking, first using a rigid cone and
then an air-inflated braking device, until a given velocity is reached
to provide their penetration into martian regolith. The entry
velocity is 4.9 km/s at an entry angle of 12± 2°. The landing
site error ellipse is ± 4° (240 km) along-track and ±
0.5° (30 km) cross-track. The penetrator impacts the surface at a
velocity of 80 ± 20 m/s and the forebody separates from the
aftbody. The penetrating part of the probe forebody, carrying the
scientific and housekeeping instrumentation, enters the regolith down
to 5-6 m, while the aftbody, with the rest of the instrumentation,
remains on the surface. Scientific studies begin after penetration.
Data are relayed to Earth by the Orbiter.
Mars 96 Penetrators
Return to MSSS
Home Page