Related Experiment Videos
Russian program of planetary missions
1Space Research Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
Acta Astronautica
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Most Mars missions in Solar System Exploration utilize Molniya-class launchers, with significant international collaboration. Russian space exploration focuses heavily on Mars, excluding MARS-96 and MARS SAMPLE RETURN missions.
Area of Science:
- Solar System Exploration
- Planetary Science
- Mars Missions
Background:
- Recent Solar System Exploration efforts are predominantly focused on Mars.
- Russian space missions, particularly those targeting Mars, frequently employ Molniya-class launchers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the current landscape of Mars-oriented missions within Solar System Exploration.
- To identify commonalities in launch vehicle usage and international partnerships for Russian space endeavors.
Main Methods:
- Review of proposed and active Mars missions.
- Analysis of launch vehicle classifications for Russian space missions.
- Assessment of international collaboration in space exploration.
Main Results:
- The majority of proposed Mars missions utilize Molniya-class launchers.
- MARS-96 and MARS SAMPLE RETURN are exceptions in terms of launch vehicle or mission scope.
- International partnerships are a significant component of Russian space missions.
Conclusions:
- Molniya-class launchers are standard for most Russian Mars exploration missions.
- Future Mars exploration by Russia will likely continue to involve international partners.
- Mission scope and specific objectives (e.g., sample return) may dictate different launch vehicle choices.