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In a recent BBC Online interview, Dr Andrew Ball of the Open University spoke of their proposed plan for a sample return mission to Phobos, Mars' largest moon, to act as a precursor mission for a Mars Sample Return Mission.
No disrespect, but I've never understood the point of sample return missions. Surely any analysis of a rock sample back on earth ought to be able to be carried out in situ with current technology. The added expense, and danger (bio-security), is not justified in any way I can see.
One thing did interest me about the idea of sampling Phobos.
Phobos is thought to be composed of carbonaceous materials, at least on the surface, with a porous interior. Carbonaceous materials are composed of water and organic compounds - carbon and hydrogen.
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen. Water, food, rocket fuel.
I could envisage an automated unit, a drill/refinery, that could mine the surface materials generating supplies for missions visiting or returning from Mars, or even stopping off before venturing further into the solar system.
But now think of this. The drill goes down 200m, then latches itself air tight to the top of the hole. Next, drop a thermal devise to the bottom of the hole, which blasts a cavern 50m diameter. The gas and water vaporised by the blast is captured by the refinery. The surface of the cavern may have been melted by the blast, sealing it, or could be sprayed with plastic to make it air tight.
Ready made space station, burried beneath the ground, safe from radiation.
Even more useful for visiting crews.
BBC Interview: Phobos Sample Return Mission
