Geodesy and Cartography of Phobos

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In the conclusion of the Mars Schwerpunkt Programm , we propose to carry out an indepth study on the geodesy and cartography of the Martian satellite Phobos. On the basis of MGS (Mars Global Surveyor) MOC (Mars Orbiting Camera) and Mars Express HRSC (High Resolution Stereo Camera) images we will track and model the motion of Phobos in its orbit over the time of the recent Mars missions. Photogrammetric techniques will be used to derive an improved geodetic control point network and to re-measure the librational motion of the small satellite. We will then derive global shape and topography models tied to the global geodetic frame, which will be higher in accuracy and resolution than the previous models from the Viking era. We will derive new estimates of volume, bulk density, and moment of inertia factors, which -together with the measurements of libration- bear important implications on internal structure. From the HRSC images and topographic models, we will derive a set of new topographic image maps. The proposal team from the Planetary Geodesy Department of the DLR Institute of Planetary Research has the software and the tools, as well as a unique work experience to carry out the proposed study.