1609x

1609x is the designation of a proposed Mars Exploration Probe developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the early 2020s. The project was created to build a lightweight, modular spacecraft capable of deploying multiple scientific instruments to study Martian geology and atmospheric conditions. The name “1609x” originated from the year of its initial concept (1609) and the variable “x” indicating its expandable design architecture.

The probe was designed to weigh approximately 45 kilograms and would be launched aboard a Medium-Lift launch vehicle, such as a Falcon 9 or Atlas V. Its propulsion system consists of a small ion engine for fine orbital adjustments, supplemented by a conventional chemical thruster for initial insertion into Martian orbit. The spacecraft’s power supply is supplied by a pair of deployable solar arrays that provide up to 2.5 kilowatts of electrical power. Focusing on autonomy and rapid deployment, the 1609x spacecraft incorporates an advanced radiation-hardened central processor, enabling on-board data processing and decision making without real-time input from mission control.

During its planned survey, 1609x would carry a suite of scientific instruments including a high-resolution stereo camera, a ground-penetrating radar, a miniature mass spectrometer, and a microgravity seismic array. The vessel’s data collection strategy is designed to provide continuous, high‑bandwidth observations of surface composition, subsurface layering, and seismic activity. The modular instrument bays allow for swapping or upgrading payloads depending on mission needs, providing significant flexibility for multiple scientific investigations.

As of the most recent public updates, 1609x remains in the pre‑flight design review phase. NASA’s Office of Space Technology has identified the probe as a candidate for the next Mars Sample Return campaign, potentially serving as a scouting platform for upcoming lander or rover missions. The project is supported by a consortium of universities and industry partners that specialize in autonomous spacecraft systems, Mars instrumentation, and radiation-hardened electronics. A successful 1609x mission would provide key data for future manned and unmanned expeditions, improving understanding of Mars’ subsurface structure and climate history.