Advanced Russian Mission Laplace-P to Study the Planetary System of Jupiter: Scientific Goals, Objectives, Special Features and Mission Profile

Abstract

The advanced Russian project Laplace-P is aimed at developing and launching two scientific spacecraft (SC)—Laplace-P1 (LP1 SC) and Laplace-P2 (LP2 SC)—designed for remote and in-situ studies of the system of Jupiter and its moon Ganymede. The LP1 and LP2 spacecraft carry an orbiter and a lander onboard, respectively. One of the orbiter’s objectives is to map the surface of Ganymede from the artificial satellite’s orbit and to acquire the data for the landing site selection. The main objective of the lander is to carry out in-situ investigations of Ganymede’s surface. The paper describes the scientific goals and objectives of the mission, its special features, and the LP1 and LP2 mission profiles during all of the phases—from the launch to the landing on the surface of Ganymede.