Russia intends to resume the program of studying Mars' moon Phobos and use artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in it to calculate a safe flight path, as well as the latest developments in engine building. The "Phobos-Grunt 2" mission could be launched by 2030. This is written by military expert for The National Interest, Brandon J. Weichert.
After the failure of the "Phobos-Grunt" mission in 2011, experts do not rule out Russia's cooperation with China on new programs related to the study of Mars' moon.
Why Does Russia Need Phobos?
Flying to Phobos, rather than Mars, has scientific, logistical, and strategic advantages. The Red Planet's moon has low gravity, which simplifies landing a spacecraft on its surface.
Scientists believe that analyzing soil from Phobos could reveal the origin of Mars. Thanks to data obtained from the Soviet interplanetary station "Phobos-2" (1988), researchers hope to use Phobos as a "transit base" for manned missions to Mars.
By focusing on studying Phobos, Russia will occupy its niche, avoiding competition with the United States and their Mars rover program. In addition, the Red Planet's moon can be used as a fuel depot if ice is found there. This aligns with Russia's long-term goal of creating a base on Mars.
About the Failure of the "Phobos-Grunt" Mission
The Russian automatic interplanetary station (AMS) "Phobos-Grunt" was launched in November 2011. As a result of an emergency situation, the spacecraft remained in a low Earth orbit. In January 2012, the AMS burned up in the dense layers of the atmosphere.
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