MMSR - a study for a Martian Moon Sample Return mission

We are entering into a new era of space exploration defined by sample return missions. The study of extraterrestrial samples in the laboratory has given us many insights to Solar System formation and evolution, but is hampered by having to rely on the arrival of meteorites - fairly random samples from asteroids, the Moon and Mars. There is now increased interest from the scientific community in the acquisition of samples from specific parent bodies; this is reflected by proposals for an increasing number of sample return missions within Solar System exploration programs. As part of the Mars Robotic Exploration Programme, the European Space Agency ESA is studying a mission to return a sample from one of the Martian Moons, either Phobos or Deimos. Part of the mission goal is to prepare technology needed for a sample return mission from Mars itself; but the mission should also have a strong scientific justification which is described here.