Phobos is named after the Greek God of FEAR,
while Deimos, the smaller moon, is named after a
figure representing DREAD in Greek Mythology.
Pleasant names for pleasant places.
The Soviets launched probes back in the late 80's.
Phobos_1
Phobos 1 operated nominally until an expected communications session on September 2, 1988 failed to occur.
Phobos_2
Phobos 2 operated nominally throughout its cruise and Mars orbital insertion phases on January 29, 1989, gathering data on the Sun, interplanetary
medium, Mars, and Phobos. Shortly before the final phase of the mission, during which the spacecraft was to approach within 50 m of Phobos' surface
and release two landers, one a mobile "hopper", the other a stationary platform, contact with Phobos 2 was lost.
Let's see if the Russians can get it right this time.
Anyone have that infamous picture of Phobos and a cylindrical object?
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