A Review of the in Situ Probe Designs from Recent Ice Giant Mission Concept Studies

Abstract

For the Ice Giants, atmospheric entry probes provide critical measurements not attainable via remote observations. Including the 2013-2022 NASA Planetary Decadal Survey, there have been at least five comprehensive atmospheric probe engineering design studies performed in recent years by NASA and ESA. International science definition teams have assessed the science requirements, and each recommended similar measurements and payloads to meet science goals with current instrument technology. The probe system concept has matured and converged on general design parameters that indicate the probe would include a 1-meter class aeroshell and have a mass around 350 to 400-kg. Probe battery sizes vary, depending on the duration of a post-release coast phase, and assumptions about heaters and instrument power needs. The various mission concepts demonstrate the need for advanced power and thermal protection system development. The many completed studies

Convective storms and atmospheric vertical structure in Uranus and Neptune

“…Modern explorations of possible mission scenarios to the ice giants Uranus and Neptune [1] [2][3][4] have motivated a revision of what we know about these planets and their planetary systems. Recent reviews explore their atmospheric dynamics [5], mean circulation patterns [6] and vertical structure [5,7].…”

Ice giant system exploration within ESA’s Voyage 2050

“…This enthusiasm for Ice Giants from both sides of the Atlantic led to a joint study , which looked closely at a number of potential mission architectures [10]. Since then, ESA has considered a palette of potential contributions to a US-led mission 3 (2018-19), including secondary orbiters and atmospheric probes, as reviewed by Simon et al [11] and advocated by Mousis et al ([12], this issue). At the time of our submission to Voyage 2050, it had been hoped that such a contribution, at the ∼e0.5bn level, might be included in a proposed increase in ESA's science budget in 2019.…”

Ice Giant Systems: The scientific potential of orbital missions to Uranus and Neptune

“…High inclinations are easier to achieve at Uranus, although Triton can be used to drive a satellite tour at Neptune. The delivery and telemetry for an atmospheric entry probe must also be considered in an orbital tour design (e.g., Simon et al, 2020). We also propose that distinct phases of an orbital tour be considered, balancing moderate orbital distances (for remote sensing, outer magnetosphere science, and a satellite tour) with close-in final orbits (for gravity science and inner magnetosphere),…”

“…An ambitious mission to an Ice Giant System would largely build on existing mature technologies (e.g., see the discussion of payload development in Section 4.1), but several challenges have been identified that, if overcome, would optimise and enhance our first dedicated orbital mission to these worlds. Note that we omit the need for ablative materials on atmospheric entry probes, which will be required for in situ science (Mousis et al, 2018, Simon et al, 2020. Key areas where technology maturations are required include:…”