 This proposed telecommunications orbiter features ion thrusters and improved solar arrays. | |
| Names | NeMO Mars 2022[1] |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Mars orbiter / Telecommunications |
| Operator | NASA |
| Mission duration | Planned: 6.5 years[1] |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Launch mass | 1,900 kg (4,200 lb)[1] |
| Dry mass | 1,300 kg (2,900 lb)[1] |
| Payload mass | 50 kg (110 lb)[1] |
| Power | 20 kW solar arrays[1] |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | late 2020s |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 or Atlas V-411[1] |
| Mars orbiter | |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Periareion altitude | 320 km (200 mi)[1] |
| Inclination | 75°–93° (polar orbit) |
The Next Mars Orbiter (NeMO, earlier known as the Mars 2022 orbiter) is a proposed NASA Mars communications satellite with high-resolution imaging payload and two solar-electric ion thrusters.[2][3]
The orbiter was initially proposed to be launched in September 2022 to link ground controllers with rovers and landers and extend mapping capabilities expected to be lost when the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and 2001 Mars Odyssey stop functioning,[2][1] but officials elected to focus on flying the Perseverance rover first to cache various samples for a later NASA-ESA Mars Sample Return that will incorporate a Mars telecom orbiter, now envisioned for the late 2020s.[4]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Jedrey, Thomas; Lock, Robert; Matsumoto, Mika (May 2, 2016). "Conceptual Studies for the Next Mars Orbiter (NeMO), Industry Day" (PDF). NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
- ^ a b Stephen, Clark (March 3, 2015). "NASA eyes ion engines for Mars orbiter launching in 2022". Spaceflight Now.
- ^ Leone, Dan (February 24, 2015). "NASA Eyes New Mars Orbiter for 2022". Space News.
- ^ Clark, Stephen (April 9, 2018). "NASA is counting on long-lived Mars orbiter lasting another decade". Spaceflight Now.