Description
The Deep
Space 2 (DS2) project is a New Millenium mission consisting of two probes which
were to penetrate the surface of Mars near the south polar layered terrain and
send back data on the sub-surface properties. On 3 December 1999 the probes were
nearing Mars on a trajectory to enter the atmosphere and bring them to their
intended landing site, but contact was never made with either probe and the
mission was presumed lost. Also named the Mars Microprobe Project, the probe
mission had as scientific objectives to: 1) test for the presence of water ice
below the surface, and if ice exists, attempt to resolve the mineral phases in
which the ice is stored; 2) determine the thermal and physical properties and
temperature gradient of the subsurface material; 3) measure the atmospheric
pressure and temperature. Data was also to be obtained on the atmospheric
density profile and near-surface soil stratification using deceleration
measurements during atmospheric entry and landing. The mission was also planned
to serve as a technology test for many of the components of the probes and a
demonstration of passive atmospheric entry and survivable hard impact.
