Phobos Surveyor

[1][needs update] These tests will simulate the low-gravity environment of Phobos first by means of a crane and by 2015, Pavone hopes, using an aircraft designed to reduce the force of gravity for its occupants.

[3][needs update] The testing arena will be designed to mimic the surface of Phobos as closely as possible, containing rocks and using flour to take the place of asteroid dust.

[8] A mission to Phobos would also give the scientific community greater insights into the formation and evolution of the Solar System into its present state.

[8] The low gravity of Phobos, as well as the existence of caves created by the impact that also created Stickney, make Phobos a prime target for the construction of a space colony, due to the ease of launching rockets from its surface (resulting from its low gravity) and the radiation protection provided by the caves.

[6] Measuring roughly 2 feet (0.6 m) across,[3] the rovers for Phobos Surveyor are shaped like sea urchins[2] in order to adapt to the low-gravity environments in which they are designed to function,[4] for which they have been often called "hedgehogs".