Mission Objectives
The primary purpose of the Mars Microprobe mission is to demonstrate key
technologies for future planetary exploration while collecting meaningful
science data.
Technological Objectives
- Demonstrate key technologies which enable future network science
missions (e.g., multiple landers, penetrators, or spacecraft)
- Demonstrate a passive atmospheric entry
- Demonstrate highly integrated microelectronics which can withstand both
low temperatures and high decelerations
- Demonstrate in-situ, surface and subsurface science data acquisition
Scientific Objectives
Primary
- Determine if ice is present below the Martian surface
- Measure the local atmospheric pressure
- Characterize the thermal properties of the Martian subsurface soil
Secondary
- Estimate the vertical temperature gradient of the Martian soil
