Biology
Scientific paper
Dec 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009agufm.p43d1472m&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2009, abstract #P43D-1472
Biology
[5200] Planetary Sciences: Astrobiology, [6200] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects, [6220] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Jupiter, [6221] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Europa
Scientific paper
Important scientific discoveries continue to be made in the outer solar system through NASA missions and research programs (for example, via the ongoing Cassini mission at Saturn, the New Horizons encounter with Jupiter in 2007, and earth-based studies of Uranus and Neptune). The Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) was established by NASA to identify scientific priorities and pathways for outer solar system exploration, because the outer solar system provides critical clues to unraveling the mysteries of how solar systems form and evolve, how planetary systems become habitable, and how life has evolved in our solar system. Addressing such scientific questions requires a balanced strategy of outer solar system exploration that includes steady support for vigorous programs of basic research, data analysis, and technology development. Fundamental new discoveries are best made with a mixture of mission sizes that includes large (flagship) missions, along with medium-sized and smaller-sized (as practical) missions. Such a strategy is most efficiently implemented as a coherent Outer Planets Exploration Program. Missions to the outer solar system are major undertakings, requiring large and expensive launch vehicles, long mission durations, highly reliable (frequently radiation hard) and autonomous spacecraft, and radioisotope power sources in most cases. OPAG recommends that the Decadal Survey explore the possibilities for a program structure/categorization that could allow ‘small flagship’ class missions to be considered, providing a greater range of choice and capabilities in the mix to balance program size and science return. With the Galileo mission concluded, the Cassini equinox mission in progress, and Juno in development, OPAG strongly endorses the competitive selection by NASA of the Jupiter Europa Orbiter (JEO) as the next Outer Planets Flagship and as part of the Europa Jupiter System Mission (EJSM) with ESA, a collaboration that includes a Ganymede orbiter and an increased focus on Jupiter science; OPAG strongly recommends support of JEO and EJSM in the Decadal Survey. In addition, OPAG strongly endorses approval by NASA of the Cassini Solstice Mission, including the Juno-like end-of-mission scenario, given the likely phenomenal return on investment. OPAG also advocates the need for a focused technology program for the next Outer Planet Flagship Mission after EJSM, in order to be ready for a launch in the mid-2020s. In this regard, a return to Titan and Enceladus is the highest priority. Technologies that require long-term investment for missions beyond the next decade should also be considered. New Frontiers class missions that should be considered in the interim include (but not in priority order) probe missions to the giant planets, an Io observer, a Neptune/Triton/KBO rendezvous, and a Titan in-situ explorer or probe, and OPAG recommends that these be studied, costed, and added the approved New Frontiers mission set.
Johnson Torrence V.
McKinnon William B.
No associations
LandOfFree
Recommended Exploration Strategy for the Outer Planets 2013-2022: Goals and Priorities does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Recommended Exploration Strategy for the Outer Planets 2013-2022: Goals and Priorities, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Recommended Exploration Strategy for the Outer Planets 2013-2022: Goals and Priorities will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1772805