Uranus Orbiter and Probe
Proposed NASA space mission to Uranus / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Uranus Orbiter and Probe is an orbiter mission concept to study Uranus and its moons.[1] The orbiter would also deploy an atmospheric probe to characterize Uranus's atmosphere. The concept is being developed as a potential large strategic science mission for NASA. The science phase would last 4.5 years and include multiple flybys of each of the major moons.
Mission type | Uranus orbiter |
---|---|
Operator | NASA |
Mission duration | Cruise: 13.4 years Science phase: 4.5 years[1] |
Spacecraft properties | |
Launch mass | 7,235 kg (15,950 lb)[1] |
Dry mass | 2,756 kg (6,076 lb)[1] |
Payload mass | 60.5 kg (133 lb) plus 19.7 kg (43 lb) atmospheric probe[1] |
Dimensions | Height: 7.1 m (23 ft) Diameter: less than 5 m (16 ft)[1] |
Power | 735 W (0.986 hp) from 3 Mod1 Next-Generation Radioisotope thermoelectric generators[1] |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | not earlier than 2031[1][2] |
Rocket | Falcon Heavy Expendable (proposed)[1] |
Launch site | Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A (proposed)[1] |
Flyby of Earth (gravity assist) | |
Closest approach | not earlier than 2033 |
Distance | 450 km (280 mi) |
Flyby of Jupiter (gravity assist) | |
Closest approach | not earlier than 2035 |
Distance | 370,000 km (230,000 mi) |
Uranus orbiter | |
Orbital insertion | not earlier than 2044 |
Uranus atmospheric probe | |
Atmospheric entry | not earlier than 2045 |
The mission concept was selected as the highest priority Flagship-class mission by the 2023–2032 Planetary Science Decadal Survey, ahead of the Enceladus Orbilander.[3][4] A Neptune orbiter mission concept, Neptune Odyssey, that would address many of the same scientific goals regarding ice giants was also considered, but for logistical and cost reasons a mission to Uranus was favored.
The original proposal targeted a launch in 2031 using a Falcon Heavy expendable launch vehicle with a gravity assist at Jupiter, allowing arrival at Uranus in 2044. In 2023, however, NASA announced that due to a shortfall in plutonium production a mid to late 2030s launch would be more likely.[2]