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The shortlisted M-MATISSE space mission
M-MATISSE, shorthand for “Mars Magnetosphere ATmosphere Ionosphere and Space-weather SciencE”, is one of the three candidates for M7 going into Phase A. This mission consists of two orbiters, aptly named “Henri” and “Marguerite”, carrying identical high-heritage payloads that will characterise the Martian plasma environment from the surface to space through coordinated observations.
It will combine in-situ measurements by both orbiters with remote observations. Its goal is to develop an understanding of the chain of processes that control space weather at Mars. This is crucial as space weather phenomena present hazardous situations for spacecraft and humans, so that space weather predictions are essential for exploration of the Red Planet.
The nominal mission duration is 1 Martian year, with a launch somewhere in 2037.
Studying the space environment around Mars with COMPASS
BIRA-IASB contributes to this mission with the electric probe assemblies, as part of the COMPASS consortium, led by the Swedish Institute for Space Physics in Uppsala and in partnership with French, German, Czech and Polish teams.
The COMPASS instrument suite studies the plasma environment around Mars. The electric probe assemblies allow to measure the plasma density and temperature and to detect electric fields and waves.
BIRA-IASB developed these electric probes for the Comet Interceptor DFP/COMPLIMENT instrument. These probes allow to be combined with the magnetometer sensors, thus forming a very powerful, yet compact payload.
Narrowing down the design of the mission in Phase 0
During the 2023 Phase 0 study, the mission – like its competitors – was scrutinized in ESA’s Concurrent Design Facility. ESA brings its experts on orbit design, spacecraft platforms, navigation, systems engineering, satellite power management, thermal design and telemetry together in one place for several weeks to come up with a rough but complete mission design.
The scientists participate to frequent teleconferences in which questions can be raised and choices are made. The ultimate goal of this phase is to identify whether there are any showstoppers. This culminated in the Mission Definition Review, which guided the decision as to which missions could proceed to a Phase A study.
Refinement of the spacecraft and instrument concepts in Phase A
Starting with Phase A, BIRA-IASB received ESA funding via the PRODEX mechanism, following approval of the Belgian Science Policy Office.
During Phase A, the spacecraft and instrument concepts are further refined. In view of the heritage of the electric probe assemblies, there was not too much work for us, except that the probes must be accommodated on a completely new platform, which has its own challenges. The probes will be exposed to a different thermal environment in Mars orbit: can they endure this?
The probes will be exposed to atomic oxygen in the upper Martian atmosphere, which can damage the coating of the electric probes: can they survive? All these issues must be satisfactorily resolved by mid-2026, when the final down-selection will take place.
