Thomas Spilker | Searcharxiv

arXiv2020

Exploration Strategy for the Outer Planets 2023-2032: Goals and Priorities

The outer solar system has a diverse range of objects, holding important clues about the formation and evolution of our solar system, the emergence and current distribution of life, and the physical processes controlling both our own and exoplanetary systems. This White Paper summarizes the Outer Planets Analysis Group's (OPAG's) priorities in the Decadal Survey. Taking into account the science to be achieved, the timing of solar system events, technological readiness, and programmatic factors, our mission recommendations are as follows. OPAG strongly endorses the completion and launch of the Europa Clipper mission, maintaining the science capabilities identified upon its selection, and a Juno extended mission at Jupiter. For the decade 2023-2032, OPAG endorses a new start for two directed missions: first, a mission to Neptune or Uranus with atmospheric probe(s), and second, a life detection Ocean World mission, along with additional technological development for life detection. A Neptune mission is preferred because, while the Neptune and Uranus systems provide equally compelling opportunities, Triton is a higher priority ocean world target than the Uranian satellites. The mission to Neptune or Uranus should fly first because a delay threatens key science objectives, and additional technological development is required for a directed life detection mission. Along with missions, we emphasize the necessity of maintaining a healthy Research and Analysis (R&A) program as well as a robust Earth-based observing program. OPAG's top two technology priorities are rapid development of a next-generation radioisotope power source for a mission to Neptune or Uranus, and development of key life detection technologies in support of an Ocean World mission. Finally, fostering an interdisciplinary, diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible community is of top importance to the OPAG community.

astro-ph.EP↗

arXiv2019

In situ Exploration of the Giant Planets

Remote sensing observations suffer significant limitations when used to study the bulk atmospheric composition of the giant planets of our solar system. This impacts our knowledge of the formation of these planets and the physics of their atmospheres. A remarkable example of the superiority of in situ probe measurements was illustrated by the exploration of Jupiter, where key measurements such as the determination of the noble gases' abundances and the precise measurement of the helium mixing ratio were only made available through in situ measurements by the Galileo probe. Here we describe the main scientific goals to be addressed by the future in situ exploration of Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, placing the Galileo probe exploration of Jupiter in a broader context. An atmospheric entry probe targeting the 10-bar level would yield insight into two broad themes: i) the formation history of the giant planets and that of the Solar System, and ii) the processes at play in planetary atmospheres. The probe would descend under parachute to measure composition, structure, and dynamics, with data returned to Earth using a Carrier Relay Spacecraft as a relay station. An atmospheric probe could represent a significant ESA contribution to a future NASA New Frontiers or flagship mission to be launched toward Saturn, Uranus, and/or Neptune.

astro-ph.EP↗