Advancements in the 3D shape reconstruction of Phobos: An analysis of shape models and future exploration directions

Abstract

Aims. Our research focuses on developing a high-precision and relatively high-resolution shape model of Phobos. Methods. We employed advanced photogrammetric techniques combined with novel computer vision methods to reconstruct the 3D shape of Phobos from nearly 900 Mars Express/SRC and Viking Orbiter images. This research also involved a comparison of the newly developed shape model with previous models to identify differences for future missions. Results. This shape model was used to generate new measurements of the volume (5740 ± 30) km3, the surface area (1629 ± 8) km2, and the bulk density (1847 ± 11) kg m−3 of Phobos. By comparing our reconstructed shape model with prior models, we have identified key differences, especially in areas such as the Opik crater and near the Shklovsky crater. These findings highlight critical areas that warrant further investigation in future missions dedicated to exploring Phobos.