Neptune Odyssey: A Flagship Concept for the Exploration of the Neptune–Triton System
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Published:2021-09-08
Issue:5
Volume:2
Page:184
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ISSN:2632-3338
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Container-title:The Planetary Science Journal
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language:
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Short-container-title:Planet. Sci. J.
Author:
Rymer Abigail M.ORCID, Runyon Kirby D.ORCID, Clyde Brenda, Núñez Jorge I., Nikoukar Romina, Soderlund Krista M.ORCID, Sayanagi Kunio, Hofstadter MarkORCID, Quick Lynnae C.ORCID, Stern S. AlanORCID, Becker TracyORCID, Hedman Matthew, Cohen IanORCID, Crary Frank, Fortney Jonathan J.ORCID, Vertesi Janet, Hansen CandyORCID, de Pater ImkeORCID, Paty Carol, Spilker Thomas, Stallard TomORCID, Hospodarsky George B., Smith H. ToddORCID, Wakeford HannahORCID, Moran Sarah E.ORCID, Annex AndrewORCID, Schenk PaulORCID, Ozimek Martin, Arrieta Juan, McNutt Ralph L.ORCID, Masters AdamORCID, Simon Amy A.ORCID, Ensor Susan, Apland Clint T., Bruzzi Jonathan, Patthoff D. Alex, Scott Christopher, Campo Christian, Krupiarz Christopher, Cochrane Corey J., Gantz Curt, Rodriguez Dan, Gallagher Dan, Hurley Dana, Crowley Doug, Abel Elizabeth, Provornikova Elena, Turtle Elizabeth P., Clark George, Wilkes Jacob, Hunt Jack, Roberts James H.ORCID, Rehm Jeremy, Murray Kelvin, Wolfarth Larry, Fletcher Leigh N.ORCID, Spilker LindaORCID, Martin Emily S., Parisi MarziaORCID, Norkus Mike, Izenberg Noam, Stough Robert, Vervack Ron J., Mandt KathleenORCID, Stevenson Kevin B.ORCID, Kijewski Seth, Cheng Weilun, Feldman Jay D., Allen Gary, Prabhu Dinesh, Dutta Soumya, Young Cindy, Williams Joseph
Abstract
Abstract
The Neptune Odyssey mission concept is a Flagship-class orbiter and atmospheric probe to the Neptune–Triton system. This bold mission of exploration would orbit an ice-giant planet to study the planet, its rings, small satellites, space environment, and the planet-sized moon Triton. Triton is a captured dwarf planet from the Kuiper Belt, twin of Pluto, and likely ocean world. Odyssey addresses Neptune system-level science, with equal priorities placed on Neptune, its rings, moons, space environment, and Triton. Between Uranus and Neptune, the latter is unique in providing simultaneous access to both an ice giant and a Kuiper Belt dwarf planet. The spacecraft—in a class equivalent to the NASA/ESA/ASI Cassini spacecraft—would launch by 2031 on a Space Launch System or equivalent launch vehicle and utilize a Jupiter gravity assist for a 12 yr cruise to Neptune and a 4 yr prime orbital mission; alternatively a launch after 2031 would have a 16 yr direct-to-Neptune cruise phase. Our solution provides annual launch opportunities and allows for an easy upgrade to the shorter (12 yr) cruise. Odyssey would orbit Neptune retrograde (prograde with respect to Triton), using the moon's gravity to shape the orbital tour and allow coverage of Triton, Neptune, and the space environment. The atmospheric entry probe would descend in ∼37 minutes to the 10 bar pressure level in Neptune's atmosphere just before Odyssey's orbit-insertion engine burn. Odyssey's mission would end by conducting a Cassini-like “Grand Finale,” passing inside the rings and ultimately taking a final great plunge into Neptune's atmosphere.
Funder
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Publisher
American Astronomical Society
Subject
Space and Planetary Science,Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous),Geophysics,Astronomy and Astrophysics
Cited by
11 articles.
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