Rare, highly detailed 1:10 scale engineering prototype model of the Phobos 2 space probe, which was designed to explore the moons of Mars, Phobos, and Deimos. Constructed of plastic, resin, and metal, this hand-made contractor model was meticulously crafted to show all parts of the actual Phobos space probe; purportedly, only two other similar contractor models were made at the time and both are currently residing in Russian museums. The model stands to a height of 23″, extends to an overall length of 36″, and is set upon a square presentation base with plaque measuring 14″ x 14″ x 1″. In fine condition.
The Phobos program was an unmanned space mission consisting of two probes launched by the Soviet Union to study Mars and its moons Phobos and Deimos. Launched on July 12, 1988, Phobos 2 operated nominally throughout its cruise and Mars orbital insertion phases on January 29, 1989, gathering data on the Sun, the interplanetary medium, Mars, and Phobos. Phobos 2 investigated Mars’ surface and atmosphere and returned 37 images of Phobos with a resolution of up to 40 meters. The Martian moon Phobos is perhaps best known for its ‘Phobos monolith,’ a boulder about 85 m (279 ft) across and 90 m (300 ft) tall.
