Missions to Phobos and Other Minor Bodies

A space mission to Mars’ moon Phobos with a space vehicle of new generation currently developed by the Russian Aerospace Agency is discussed. The vehicle design incorporates innovative SEP technology focused on small propulsion electric engines which significantly improve the mission energetic capability. The project is optimized around a sample return (PSR) from Phobos and also offers an opportunity for rendezvous/sample return missions from several asteroids, comets, and NEO. Scenario, rationale, and basic profile of PSR mission are presented.