Abstract
The Science Case for Spacecraft Exploration of the Uranian Satellites
Highlights
Introduction and MotivationA spacecraft mission to the Uranian satellites would address the following ‘Big Questions’ identified in the Scientific Goals for Exploration of the Outer Solar System document, outlined by the OPAG community [Table 1]:(1) What is the distribution and history of life in the Solar System? (2) What is the origin, evolution, and structure of planetary systems? (3) What present-day processes shape planetary systems, and how do these processes create diverse outcomes within and across different worlds?The large moons of Uranus are possible ocean worlds [1] that exhibit a variety of surface features, hinting at endogenic geologic activity in the recent past (e.g., [2])
We assert that multiple close proximity flybys of the Uranian moons made by a Flagship-class spacecraft in orbit around Uranus is needed to conduct essential Solar System science, and initiation and design of this mission must occur in the upcoming decade (2023 – 2032)
An orbiter would vastly improve our understanding of these possible ocean worlds and allow us to assess the nature of water and organics in the Uranian system, thereby improving our knowledge of these moons’ astrobiological potential
Summary
The large moons of Uranus are possible ocean worlds [1] that exhibit a variety of surface features, hinting at endogenic geologic activity in the recent past (e.g., [2]) These moons are rich in water ice, as well as carbon-bearing and likely nitrogen-bearing constituents, which represent some of the key components for life as we know it. In 1986, the Voyager 2 spacecraft flew by the Uranian system and collected tantalizing snapshots of these ‘classical’ satellites, measured Uranus’ offset and tilted magnetic field, as well as discovering ten new ring moons (e.g., [2]) Since this brief flyby, investigation of Uranus and its rings and satellites has remained in the purview of ground- and space-based telescopes. Eccentricities, inclinations, tidal Q(ω) of Uranus, Love numbers, paleo heat fluxes
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