Scheduling Optimization of Landing-Site-Candidates Observation on Phobos from Quasi-Satellite-Orbit in MMX Mission

Abstract

In the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission aimed at sample return from Phobos, stereo observations at the requested local time are crucial for creating a local shape model of landing site candidates. To optimize the observation scheduling and facilitate as many stereo observations as possible within a limited time, we address the Phobos observation scheduling optimization problem and customize a genetic algorithm previously proposed for Earth observation satellites. Our ingenuity integrates elements related to stereo observations and local time constraints such that they can be applied to observation scheduling for planetary exploration. The scheduling demonstration results illustrate that 38 of the 50 landing site candidates can be observed during stereo viewing. Furthermore, we perform a sensitivity analysis of the number of landing site candidates to be scheduled, which will provide insights for improving the MMX operational planning.