Satellite Mission Research Articles

Properties of an Interplanetary Shock Observed at 0.07 and 0.7 au by Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter

The Parker Solar Probe (PSP) and Solar Orbiter (SolO) missions opened a new observational window in the inner heliosphere, which is finally accessible to direct measurements. On 2022 September 5, a coronal mass ejection (CME)-driven interplanetary (IP) shock was observed as close as 0.07 au by PSP. The CME then reached SolO, which was radially well-aligned at 0.7 au, thus providing us with the opportunity to study the shock properties at different heliocentric distances. We characterize the shock, investigate its typical parameters, and compare its small-scale features at both locations. Using the PSP observations, we investigate how magnetic switchbacks and ion cyclotron waves are processed upon shock crossing. We find that switchbacks preserve their V–B correlation while compressed upon the shock passage, and that the signature of ion cyclotron waves disappears downstream of the shock. By contrast, the SolO observations reveal a very structured shock transition, with a population of shock-accelerated protons of up to about 2 MeV, showing irregularities in the shock downstream, which we correlate with solar wind structures propagating across the shock. At SolO, we also report the presence of low-energy (∼100 eV) electrons scattering due to upstream shocklets. This study elucidates how the local features of IP shocks and their environments can be very different as they propagate through the heliosphere.

Cyclogenesis in the Tropical Atlantic: First Scientific Highlights from the Clouds–Atmospheric Dynamics–Dust Interactions in West Africa (CADDIWA) Field Campaign

Abstract During the boreal summer, mesoscale convective systems generated over West Africa propagate westward and interact with African easterly waves, and dust plumes transported from the Sahel and Sahara by the African easterly jet. Once off West Africa, the vortices in the wake of these mesoscale convective systems evolve in a complex environment sometimes leading to the development of tropical storms and hurricanes, especially in September when sea surface temperatures are high. Numerical weather predictions of cyclogenesis downstream of West Africa remains a key challenge due to the incomplete understanding of the clouds–atmospheric dynamics–dust interactions that limit predictability. The primary objective of the Clouds–Atmospheric Dynamics–Dust Interactions in West Africa (CADDIWA) project is to improve our understanding of the relative contributions of the direct, semidirect, and indirect radiative effects of dust on the dynamics of tropical waves as well as the intensification of vortices in the wake of offshore mesoscale convective systems and their evolution into tropical storms over the North Atlantic. Airborne observations relevant to the assessment of such interactions (active remote sensing, in situ microphysics probes, among others) were made from 8 to 21 September 2021 in the tropical environment of Sal Island, Cape Verde. The environments of several tropical cyclones, including Tropical Storm Rose, were monitored and probed. The airborne measurements also serve the purpose of regional model evaluation and the validation of spaceborne wind, aerosol and cloud products pertaining to satellite missions of the European Space Agency and EUMETSAT (including the Aeolus, EarthCARE, and IASI missions).

Vientos—A New Satellite Mission Concept for 3D Wind Measurements by Combining Passive Water Vapor Sounders with Doppler Wind Lidar

Abstract It is challenging to accurately characterize the three-dimensional distribution of horizontal wind vectors (known as 3D winds). Feature-matching satellite cloud top or water vapor fields have been used for decades to retrieve atmospheric motion vectors, but this approach is mostly limited to a single and uncertain pressure level at a given time. Satellite wind lidar measurements are expected to provide more accurate data and capture the line-of-sight wind for clear skies, within cirrus clouds, and above thick clouds, but only along a curtain parallel to the satellite track. Here we propose Vientos—a new satellite mission concept that combines two or more passive water vapor sounders with Doppler wind lidar to measure 3D winds. The need for 3D wind observations is highlighted by inconsistencies in reanalysis estimates, particularly under precipitating conditions. Recent studies have shown that 3D winds can be retrieved using water vapor observations from two polar-orbiting satellites separated by 50 min, with the help of advanced optical flow algorithms. These winds can be improved through the incorporation of a small number of collocated higher-accuracy measurements via machine learning. The Vientos concept would enable simultaneous measurements of 3D winds, temperature, and humidity, and is expected to have a significant impact on scientific research, weather prediction, and other applications. For example, it can help better understand and predict the preconditions for organized convection. This article summarizes recent results, presents the Vientos mission architecture, and discusses implementation scenarios for a 3D wind mission under current budget constraints.

Uncertainty of Atmospheric Winds in Three Widely Used Global Reanalysis Datasets

Abstract Atmospheric winds are crucial to the transport of heat, moisture, momentum, and chemical species, facilitating Earth’s climate system interactions. Existing weather and climate studies rely heavily on the wind fields from reanalysis datasets. In this study, we analyze the uncertainty of instantaneous atmospheric winds in three reanalysis (ERA5, MERRA-2, and CFSv2) datasets. We show that the mean wind vector differences (WVDs) between the reanalysis datasets are about 3–6 m s−1 in the troposphere. The mean absolute wind direction differences can be more than 50°. Large WVDs greater than 5 m s−1 are found for 30%–50% of the time when the observed precipitation rate is larger than 0.1 mm h−1 over the eastern Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and some mountain areas. The mean WVDs exhibit seasonal variations but no significant diurnal variations. The uncertainty of vertical wind shear has a correlation of 0.59 with the uncertainty of winds at 300 hPa. The magnitudes of vorticity and horizontal divergence uncertainties are on the order of 1 × 10−5 s−1, which is comparable to the mean values of vorticity and horizontal divergence. In comparison with some limited observations from field campaigns, the reanalysis datasets exhibit a mean WVD ranging from 2 to 4.5 m s−1. Among the three reanalysis datasets, ERA5 shows the closest agreement with the observations while MERRA-2 has the largest discrepancy. The substantial uncertainty and errors of the reanalysis wind products highlight the critical need for new satellite missions dedicated to 3D wind measurements.

Agroforestry suitability evaluation using remote sensing in Jatiyoso Sub-district, Karanganyar District, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Negari SIT, Ningtyas SRA, Hanun Z, Sulton MN, Kusumaningrum L, Indrawan M, Sugiyarto, Sutomo, Setyawan AD. 2023. Agroforestry suitability evaluation using remote sensing in Jatiyoso Sub-district, Karanganyar District, Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6761-6769. Agroforestry systems are critical for biodiversity conservation, land degradation mitigation, and climate change mitigation. This agroforestry approach reduces forest degradation, boosts food security, and gradually raises farmers' income. This study uses remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) modeling tools to analyze land potential and agroforestry status in Jatiyoso Sub-district, Karanganyar District, Central Java, Indonesia. The data used in the analysis support data for soil fertility index, rainfall, Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) satellite image data, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Modeling was done by integrating various thematic layers in the GIS domain. Weighting was also carried out in the analysis of land suitability. The mapping results in Jatiyoso Sub-district, Karanganyar District, showed that 18.1% (13.49 km2) had high potential as agroforestry areas, 54.9% (40.95 km2) had medium potential, and 27% (20.18 km2) had low potential. As a result, using remote sensing and GIS to determine suitable land for agroforestry could significantly impact the community, particularly farmers, landowners, and foresters, in the decision-making process for developing agroforestry systems and practices and estimating important productivity indicators. The most promising and appropriate agroforestry plants developed in Jatiyoso Sub-district are medicinal plants, but agricultural commodities like cloves, bananas, and vegetables are also present.

The EarthCARE mission: science data processing chain overview

Abstract. The Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) is a satellite mission implemented by the European Space Agency (ESA) in cooperation with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to measure vertical profiles of aerosols, clouds, and precipitation properties together with radiative fluxes and derived heating rates. The data will be used in particular to evaluate the representation of clouds, aerosols, precipitation, and associated radiative fluxes in weather forecasting and climate models. The satellite embarks four instruments: the ATmospheric LIDar (ATLID), the Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR), the Multi-Spectral Imager (MSI), and the Broadband Radiometer (BBR). The science data acquired by the four satellite instruments are processed on ground. Calibrated instrument data – level 1 data products – and retrieved geophysical data products – level 2 data products – are produced in the ESA and JAXA ground segments. This paper provides an overview of the data processing chains of ESA and JAXA and explains the instrument level 1 data products and main aspects of the calibration algorithms. Furthermore, an overview of the level 2 data products, with references to the respective dedicated papers, is provided.

Hydrological Assessment of Iraq for the Period 2002-2020 Using GRACE Terrestrial Water Storage Deficit

The research examines the effectiveness of remote sensing for monitoring drought conditions, specifically focusing on the utilization of satellite missions like GRACE to detect alterations in water levels. The study analyzes GRACE data for 10 Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) grid cells alongside precipitation data from 11 meteorological stations. It employs the DrinC program to calculate the standard precipitation index (SPI) at different time intervals. Non- Non-parametric Mann-Kendall tests and Sen's slope statistics are used to determine the trend and magnitude of the GRACE-based anomaly in terrestrial water storage. The statistical findings reveal a significant decrease in Iraq's terrestrial water storage anomaly between 2007 and 2017, indicating drier climatic conditions. However, there is an increase in anomaly between 2002 and 2006, as well as from 2018 to 2020, indicating wetter conditions. The water storage deficit varies among grid cells, each exhibiting distinct characteristics and patterns. The study also highlights that more intense and prolonged droughts tend to occur in the northern and southern regions of Iraq, while the central region experiences more frequent but less severe droughts. In most grid cells, the Mann-Kendall test illustrates a substantial decrease in the water storage deficit index and a significant increase in SPI-06. On the other hand, only one grid cell shows a noticeable precipitation trend. Comparatively, trends in the water storage deficit index and SPI-06 are similar. Overall, the water storage deficit and its index prove valuable in predicting drought severity in locations lacking hydrological measurements.

A Short Review on India’s Interplanetary Missions

India's space program has witnessed transformative achievements in interplanetary exploration, propelling the nation into the forefront of space science and technology. This comprehensive overview delves into key milestones, objectives, and outcomes of India's interplanetary missions, beginning with the trailblazing Chandrayaan-1 that altered lunar studies by detecting water traces. Mangalyaan-1's success in orbiting Mars on its maiden attempt underscored India's prowess in Martian exploration. Despite a setback in the Chandrayaan-2 lunar landing, it provided ground-breaking lunar data. The recently launched Aditya-L1 focuses on solar observation, capturing high-energy X-rays and solar disc images. Future missions, including Chandrayaan-3, Mangalyaan-2, and the Venus Orbiter Mission (Shukrayaan), exemplify India's commitment to advancing planetary exploration. These endeavours, marked by cutting-edge technology and diverse scientific objectives, highlight India's growing prominence in global space exploration and contribute significantly to humanity's understanding of the cosmos.

Improvement of Surface PM2.5 Diurnal Variation Simulations in East Africa for the MAIA Satellite Mission.

The Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols (MAIA), supported by NASA and the Italian Space Agency, is planned for launch into space in 2025. As part of its mission goal, outputs from a chemical transport model, the Unified Inputs for Weather Research and Forecasting Model coupled with Chemistry (UI-WRF-Chem), will be used together with satellite data and surface observations for estimating surface PM2.5. Here, we develop a method to improve UI-WRF-Chem with surface observations at the U.S. embassy in Ethiopia, one of MAIA's primary target areas in east Africa. The method inversely models the diurnal profile and amount of anthropogenic aerosol and trace gas emissions. Low-cost PurpleAir sensor data are used for validation after applying calibration functions obtained from the collocated data at the embassy. With the emission updates in UI-WRF-Chem, independent validation for February 2022 at several different PurpleAir sites shows an increase in the linear correlation coefficients from 0.1-0.7 to 0.6-0.9 between observations and simulations of the diurnal variation of surface PM2.5. Furthermore, even by using the emissions optimized for February 2021, the UI-WRF-Chem forecast for March 2022 is also improved. Annual update of monthly emissions via inverse modeling has the potential and is needed to improve MAIA's estimate of surface PM2.5.

Spatiotemporal Distributions of the Thunderstorm and Lightning Structures over the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Utilizing data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite’s precipitation radar (PR) and lightning imaging sensor (LIS), this study explores the spatiotemporal distributions of thunderstorm and lightning structures over the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP), an aspect that has not been explored previously. The structural aspects are crucial when considering the impact of thunderstorm and lightning activity in the atmospheric processes. Thunderstorms over the QTP show clear spatial variations in both vertical height and horizontal extension. In the southern region, the average heights of 20 dBZ and 30 dBZ echo tops typically exceed 11.2 and 9.3 km, respectively. Meanwhile, in the eastern part, the average coverage areas for reflectivity greater than 20 dBZ and 30 dBZ consistently surpass 1000 and 180 km2, respectively. The spatial distribution of thunderstorm vertical development height relative to the surface aligns more closely with the horizontal extension, indicating stronger convection in the eastern QTP. The thunderstorm flash rate shows an eastward and northward prevalence, while the thunderstorm flash density peaks in the western and northeastern QTP, with a minimum in the southeast. Furthermore, in the eastern QTP, lightning duration, spatial expansion, and radiance are more pronounced, with the average values typically exceeding 0.22 s, 14.5 km, and 0.50 J m−2 sr−1 μm−1, respectively. Monthly variations reveal heightened values during the summer season for thunderstorm vertical extension, areas with reflectivity greater than 30 dBZ, and lightning frequency. Diurnal variations highlight an afternoon increase in thunderstorm vertical and horizontal extension, lightning frequency, duration, and spatial scale. From a statistical perspective, under weak convective conditions, lightning length exhibits a positive correlation with thunderstorm convection intensity, contrasting with the opposite relationship suggested by previous studies. This article further analyzes and discusses the correlations between various thunderstorm and lightning structural parameters, enhancing our understanding of the distinctive features of thunderstorm and lightning activities in the QTP.

Multi-satellite cooperative scheduling method for large-scale tasks based on hybrid graph neural network and metaheuristic algorithm

Traditional heuristic optimization algorithms are no longer applicable to the multiple satellites scheduling with large-scale tasks, as they are unable to provide satisfactory performance in terms of convergence and speed when addressing complex constraint conflicts. Therefore, we propose a multi-satellite cooperative scheduling method for large-scale tasks based on a hybrid graph neural network (GNN) and metaheuristic algorithm. By using the representation and extraction capability of GNN for relations in graph, the features of large-scale tasks and their constraint relations were expressed, and the generalized knowledge was extracted. And combined with metaheuristic algorithm, the optimization framework for large-scale satellite task scheduling based knowledge and data was implemented. The method consists of a GNN pre-solver module for static constraint conflicts and a metaheuristic optimization module for dynamic constraint conflicts of satellite missions. In the GNN pre-solver module, the graph sample and aggregate network was used to learn and extract the common knowledge in the static task-conflict graph, and provided effective prior information for the metaheuristic optimization module. The quadratic unconstrained binary optimization loss function was designed with multiple influencing factors, to convert the discrete optimization function into a continuous function; a greedy threshold was also added to improve the task completion rate. Finally, numerical experimental results showed that the proposed method can achieve an efficient solution to the multi-satellite scheduling problem with tens of thousands tasks. Compared with the commonly used multi-satellite scheduling algorithms (the genetic algorithm (GA) and greedy-GA), the proposed method can obtain higher-quality solutions under the same conditions and greatly improve the computational efficiency of large-scale mission planning.

Australian Ocean surface waves dataset from SAR

AbstractIn this article, a regional ocean surface waves dataset from Sentinel‐1 A and B Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites has been described. The ocean wave data have been extracted from the Sentinel‐1 level‐2 OCN (ocean) product as provided by the European Space Agency and downloadable for this region from the Copernicus Australasia regional data hub. The source OCN data have been produced by evolving versions of Sentinel‐1 Instrument Processing Facility (IPF). The structure of the source OCN NetCDF files changes over time and presents a challenge in performing long duration, time series analyses, including the examination of potential inconsistencies in OCN wave data, due to employment of different IPF versions over the duration of the satellite missions. Here, the input OCN wave data have been homogenized to a single, easily usable standard format after applying a quality assurance and control procedure that removes various inconsistencies in variables, coordinates, dimensions and land flag, and through the addition of new auxiliary variables. The new format has the desirable properties of being compact in size, consistent in structure, and scalable in temporal and spatial coverage. It is also convenient to use and offers opportunities to perform fast, multi‐year regional processing and analysis for calibration and validation studies and scientific applications. No re‐processing of Sentinel‐1 level‐1 data has been carried out in this work.

Infrared spectroscopy of volcanoes: from laboratory to orbital scale

Understanding the composition, texture, and morphology of volcanic rocks that have erupted at the surface better constrains the eruption style and is vital to infer subsurface processes, the development of magma upon ascent, and the potential for future eruptions. The reflectance and emission spectroscopy of these rocks, collected from the near-infrared (NIR) through the thermal infrared (TIR) portion of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum, provides the data necessary to retrieve composition, micron-scale surface roughness, and particle size. Remote imaging systems enable the analyses of active volcanoes in remote regions, where sample collection for laboratory analysis poses a significant challenge. Laboratory hyperspectral data of samples acquired at volcanic deposits are easily resampled to the spectral resolution of any infrared sensor and provide a means of estimating the composition of volcanoes and their products worldwide, as well as those on other planetary bodies such as the Moon and Mars. In this review paper, we provide an overview of the current use of infrared reflectance and emission spectroscopy as an analysis tool in volcanology, including ground-based imaging systems that acquire unprecedented detail and serve as testbeds for new orbital concepts. We also discuss the potential impact that future satellite missions will have on volcano science as spectral, spatial, and temporal resolutions improve.

TESS duotransit candidates from the Southern Ecliptic Hemisphere

ABSTRACT Discovering transiting exoplanets with long orbital periods allows us to study warm and cool planetary systems with temperatures similar to the planets in our own Solar system. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission has photometrically surveyed the entire Southern Ecliptic Hemisphere in Cycle 1 (2018 August–2019 July), Cycle 3 (2020 July–2021 June), and Cycle 5 (2022 September–2023 September). We use the observations from Cycle 1 and Cycle 3 to search for exoplanet systems that show a single transit event in each year, which we call duotransits. The periods of these planet candidates are typically in excess of 20 d, with the lower limit determined by the duration of individual TESS observations. We find 85 duotransit candidates, which span a range of host star brightnesses: 8 < Tmag < 14, transit depths between 0.1 per cent and 1.8 per cent, and transit durations between 2 and 10 h with the upper limit determined by our normalization function. Of these candidates, 25 are already known, and 60 are new. We present these candidates along with the status of photometric and spectroscopic follow-up.

SuNeRF: 3D Reconstruction of the Solar EUV Corona Using Neural Radiance Fields

To understand its evolution and the effects of its eruptive events, the Sun is permanently monitored by multiple satellite missions. The optically thin emission of the solar plasma and the limited number of viewpoints make it challenging to reconstruct the geometry and structure of the solar atmosphere; however, this information is the missing link to understand the Sun as it is: a 3D evolving star. We present a method that enables a complete 3D representation of the uppermost solar layer (corona) observed in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light. We use a deep-learning approach for 3D scene representation that accounts for radiative transfer to map the entire solar atmosphere from three simultaneous observations. We demonstrate that our approach provides unprecedented reconstructions of the solar poles and directly enables height estimates of coronal structures, solar filaments, coronal hole profiles, and coronal mass ejections. We validate the approach using model-generated synthetic EUV images, finding that our method accurately captures the 3D geometry of the Sun even from a limited number of 32 ecliptic viewpoints (∣latitude∣ ≤ 7°). We quantify the uncertainties of our model using an ensemble approach that allows us to estimate the model performance in the absence of a ground truth. Our method enables a novel view of our closest star and is a breakthrough technology for the efficient use of multi-instrument data sets, which paves the way for future cluster missions.

Model-based comparisons of near-coincident TerraSAR-X and COSMO-SkyMed VV-polarized SAR measurements over sea surface with and without oil slicks

ABSTRACT This paper contrasts predicted X-band sea surface backscattering from slick-free and oil-covered sea surfaces with actual measurements acquired by the X-band satellite TerraSAR-X and COSMO-SkyMed Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) missions. Two SAR scenes were acquired with a temporal difference of about 36 minutes, under similar met-ocean conditions, during the North Sea’s Gannet Alpha oil spill accident. The normalized radar cross section of the slick-free sea surface is predicted using the Advanced Integral Equation Model (AIEM) while the backscatter from the oiled sea surface is predicted by the AIEM augmented with the Model of Local Balance (MLB) to include the damping effect of oil slicks. Experimental results show that X-band co-polarized numerical predictions agree reasonably well with both TSX and CSK actual measurements collected over slick-free sea surfaces. When dealing with oil-covered sea surfaces, the predicted backscattering reasonably agrees with TSX measurements, while it overestimates the CSK ones. This is likely due to the different spreading conditions of the oil imaged by the two satellite missions.

Adaptive tracking guidance for powered aeroassisted orbital maneuver under system uncertainties and input constraints

The powered aeroassisted orbital maneuver (AOM) is an emerging type of AOM manner, which can fulfill various complicated orbital transfer missions more flexibly and efficiently by virtue of aerodynamic forces and synergetic thrust. In this paper, an adaptive control strategy is presented for the reference trajectory tracking guidance of powered AOM under system uncertainties and input constraints. The presented controller is designed with an attack angle control law and a bank angle control law. The constrained control inputs are smoothly described through a hyperbolic tangent-type function. Then, the attack angle and bank angle control laws are separately developed by utilizing the first-order and second-order backstepping control methods. Besides, the parametric adaptive mechanism is incorporated to identify the squares of the upper bounds of the total uncertain items. Benefiting from this design, the presented controller can not only resist system uncertainties, but also accommodate input constraints. The stability evaluation shows that the radial distance and velocity tracking errors under the presented controller can eventually stabilize to the bounded minor fields around zero. Lastly, the derived results are verified through comparative studies with an existing controller and Monte Carlo simulations under different conditions.

CubeSat Mission Scheduling Method Considering Operational Reliability

Mission scheduling is an effective method to increase the value of satellite missions and can greatly improve satellite resource management and quality of service. Based on the priority-based task scheduling model, this paper proposes a CubeSat scheduling method that takes operational reliability into account, considering the impact of scheduling results on reliable operation. In this method, the available energy and the time window are used as scheduling resources, and the average state of charge of the lithium battery and the number of task start-ups are defined as two indices to measure its reliability. To meet the mission requirements and energy availability of photovoltaic (PV) solar panel and battery constraints, the scheduling model is constructed with an objective function that includes mission priority and reliability index. The branch and bound (BB) method and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method are used to solve the scheduling problem. The example analysis compares different scheduling results and verifies the effectiveness of the proposed scheduling method. Compared with the existing methods, it comprehensively considers the mission value and operational reliability of the CubeSat, improves the energy reserve level of the CubeSat, and reduces the surge current caused by the start-up of tasks.

Preliminary design of a space debris removal mission in LEO using a solar sail

This paper discusses a space debris removal mission in low Earth orbit in which, for a preliminary design, a solar sail is used as a chaser satellite to reach, capture and de-orbit a debris object. The sail, which exploits the solar radiation pressure as its main source of thrust, is subject to the effects of aerodynamic forces, Earth’s oblateness and eclipse occurrence. Locally-optimal laws are used to control the transfer with the aim of maximizing (or minimizing) the rate of change of a specific orbital element or a suitable combination of them, depending on the transfer phase. When blended control laws are used to target the debris, the optimal weighting factors are calculated with a genetic algorithm to assess the relative importance of each orbital element. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness of locally-optimal laws in driving the sail towards the target even in the presence of the above-mentioned orbital perturbations. In a test-case scenario, a solar sail with a characteristic acceleration of 0.1 mm/s2, departing from 550 km of altitude, is able to reach the debris orbit at 1200 km of height in less than 200 days with a good accuracy level. The same analysis has been repeated for a solar sail with performance characteristics similar to those of NASA’s planned Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) mission.

High-speed scientific spacecraft launches with commercial launch vehicles

Reaching the outer solar system and interstellar space beyond has always been challenging due to the long distances and long travel times. Initial work on planetary gravity assists in the early 1960s by Minovitch and Flandro laid the basis for expanding reachable space with then-existing launch vehicles. Such gravity assists have been key enablers for orbital exploration missions to Mercury (MESSENGER), Jupiter (Galileo, Juno), and Saturn (Cassini-Huygens) by trading higher mass for lower launch energy from Earth (C3). They have also enabled close passes to the Sun (Parker Solar Probe) and moderately rapid solar system escape, coupled with fast flybys of various planetary-sized bodies: Mariner 10 (Mercury via Venus), Pioneer 10 (escape via Jupiter), Pioneer 11 and Voyager 1 (escape via Jupiter and Saturn), Voyager 2 (escape via Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune: the “Grand Tour”), and New Horizons (escape via Jupiter and Pluto). Two of these missions hold the first and second places for the most energetic launches (New Horizons: C3 = 157.7502 km2/s2; Parker Solar Probe: C3 = 152.222 km2/s2). Disadvantages in using Earth and Venus gravity assists to increase spacecraft injected mass to Jupiter and beyond include the time penalty and the need for a customized propulsion system to provide a deep-space maneuver (DSM). For “timely” transits to Neptune with a large orbiter or rapid solar system escape with an Interstellar Probe, more capable launch vehicles can be enabling by pushing the injected mass versus C3 curves “to the right.” While the most extreme speeds asymptotically away from the Sun (7–8 au/yr) can be achieved with fast Jupiter gravity assists and super heavy lift-launch vehicles (SHLLV) such as the Space Launch System (SLS) surmounted by multiple upper stages, solar system escape speeds larger than those achieved by Voyager 1 are possible with existing and upcoming large commercial launch vehicles. Such vehicles include the Falcon-Heavy, New Glenn, and Vulcan Centaur. Better performance accrues with the fully expendable versions of these vehicles and/or with “refilling” in a low-Earth orbit, with performance versus launch cost as a central trade. Even better performance can be projected with SHLLVs in development, such as the Starship Super Heavy and Long March 9. We discuss some of the possibilities and trades such newer vehicles can enable in the near term for continued – and more distant – exploration of the solar system and beyond.