Engineering:Mars Microspacecraft Missions

Mars Microspacecraft Missions are proposed cheap launch missions costing less than $50 million that can be carried out by the Italian Space Agency to Mars to research Mars, ranging from the use of one spacecraft to multiple constellations of mini spacecraft.

Under a study contract, the Italian Space Agency (ASI) developed the mechanical system concept for a Mars Microspacecraft to launch in a twin configuration on an Ariane V ASAP (Auxiliary Payload). As a member a multi-disciplined team, ASI developed the mechanical configuration and preliminary structure design for the spacecraft in two configurations, a probe carrier and an orbiter. The term microspacecraft was used in a Jet Propulsion Laboratory publication in 1981.

References

Anderson, Nikka. "Micro-spacecraft, Instrumentation, & Electronics". NASA. http://library.gsfc.nasa.gov/SubjectGuides/Micro.htm. 

Burke, J.D.. Micro-spacecraft 15/10/1981 (Report). JPL Caltech. 

"The Case for Small Satellites". Acta Astronautica (International Academy of Astronautics) 31: 103–IN4. 1993. doi:10.1016/0094-5765(93)90149-Q. Bibcode: 1993AcAau..31..103.. 

Technology for Small Spacecraft (Report). Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board, National Research Council. 1994. 

"Affordable Spacecraft: Design and Launch Alternatives, A Background Paper". Ota-Bp-Isc-60 (U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment). January 1990. 

Sarsfield, Liam (September 1996). Federal Investments in Small Spacecraft (Report). RAND. 

Mauritz, A.; Patel, B.. "Science-Enabling MicroSpacecraft Constellations for Mars". STI (NASA). pp. 215. Bibcode: 2000came.work..215M.