10.2 Current and future planetary missions
9 min read•july 30, 2024
Planetary exploration missions are pushing the boundaries of our knowledge about the solar system. From Mars rovers searching for ancient life to spacecraft studying icy moons, these missions are uncovering secrets about our cosmic neighborhood. They're also paving the way for future exploration and potential human missions.
Current and future missions face technological challenges in propulsion, power, and communication. International collaboration is key to overcoming these hurdles. By working together, space agencies can share costs, expertise, and resources, making ambitious missions possible and fostering scientific diplomacy among nations.
Ongoing Planetary Missions
Exploring Mars and the Search for Life
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- 's rover is searching for signs of ancient microbial life, characterizing the planet's geology and climate, and collecting samples for future return to Earth
- The rover is equipped with a suite of scientific instruments, including , , and a , to analyze the Martian environment and gather evidence of past habitability
- Perseverance is exploring the , a site believed to have once hosted a lake and river delta, which could have provided favorable conditions for microbial life in the past
- The mission aims to cache promising samples that will be retrieved by a future Mars campaign, enabling detailed analysis in Earth-based laboratories
Investigating the Solar System's Small Bodies
- Japan's mission successfully collected samples from the asteroid and returned them to Earth in December 2020 for analysis
- The mission aimed to study the asteroid's composition, formation history, and evolution to better understand the early solar system and the role of asteroids in delivering water and organic materials to Earth
- Hayabusa2 deployed multiple rovers and a lander on Ryugu's surface to conduct in-situ measurements and collect surface and subsurface samples
- NASA's mission is preparing to return samples collected from the near-Earth asteroid in September 2023
- The spacecraft studied Bennu's shape, topography, composition, and thermal properties to select a suitable sampling site and characterize the asteroid's environment
- OSIRIS-REx successfully collected a sufficient amount of material from Bennu's surface in October 2020, which will be analyzed in Earth-based laboratories to investigate the asteroid's formation and evolution
Studying the Giant Planets and Their Moons
- NASA's spacecraft, orbiting since 2016, is studying the planet's composition, gravity field, magnetic field, and polar magnetosphere
- Juno's primary goal is to understand Jupiter's formation and evolution, as well as its role in the development of the solar system
- The spacecraft's highly elliptical orbit allows it to make close passes over Jupiter's poles, providing unprecedented views of the planet's auroras and gathering data on its internal structure and atmospheric dynamics
- The European Space Agency's mission, launched in 2018, is en route to Mercury to study the planet's composition, geophysics, atmosphere, and magnetosphere
- BepiColombo consists of two orbiters: the (MPO) and the (MMO), which will study the planet from complementary orbits
- The mission aims to investigate Mercury's origin and evolution, its internal structure, the nature of its magnetic field, and the composition of its surface and exosphere
- BepiColombo will also test Einstein's theory of general relativity by measuring the precession of Mercury's orbit with unprecedented accuracy
Future Missions and Their Contributions
Exploring the Habitability of Ocean Worlds
- NASA's mission, set to launch in the 2020s, will study Jupiter's moon Europa to investigate its potential habitability and characterize its internal structure, geology, and composition
- Europa is believed to harbor a subsurface ocean beneath its icy crust, which could potentially support microbial life
- The spacecraft will perform multiple close flybys of Europa, using a suite of scientific instruments to measure the moon's gravity and magnetic fields, analyze its surface composition, and search for evidence of plumes or other active geological processes
- The European Space Agency's JUpiter ICy moons Explorer () mission, scheduled for launch in 2022, will study the Jovian system, focusing on the moons , , and Europa
- JUICE will investigate the potential habitability of these icy moons, characterizing their subsurface oceans, ice shell properties, and surface geology
- The mission will also study Jupiter's atmosphere, magnetosphere, and its interaction with the Galilean moons, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Jovian system
Investigating the Prebiotic Chemistry of Titan
- NASA's mission, planned for launch in 2026, will send a rotorcraft to explore the prebiotic chemistry and habitability of Saturn's moon
- Titan's atmosphere and surface environment contain complex organic molecules and exhibit processes similar to those that may have led to the emergence of life on early Earth
- Dragonfly will perform multiple flights on Titan's surface, sampling and analyzing the moon's atmosphere and surface materials to study its prebiotic chemistry and potential for habitability
- The mission will also investigate Titan's atmospheric dynamics, surface geology, and subsurface ocean, providing insights into the moon's formation and evolution
Understanding Venus' Evolution and Past Habitability
- The European Space Agency's mission, set to launch in the early 2030s, will study Venus' atmosphere, surface, and interior to better understand the planet's evolution and potential past habitability
- Venus may have once had a more temperate climate and liquid water on its surface, but it experienced a dramatic transformation due to a runaway greenhouse effect
- EnVision will use a suite of instruments, including a radar sounder and a spectrometer, to map Venus' surface features, study its geological activity, and analyze its atmospheric composition and dynamics
- The mission aims to shed light on Venus' past and present, providing insights into the factors that led to its current hostile environment and informing comparative studies of planetary evolution
China's Mars Exploration Program
- China's mission, launched in 2020, includes an orbiter, lander, and rover to study Mars' morphology, geology, mineralogy, space environment, and subsurface structure
- The orbiter is studying Mars' surface and atmosphere, providing global mapping and characterization of the planet's environment
- The lander and rover, named , are investigating the Utopia Planitia region, searching for evidence of past water activity and analyzing the surface composition and weathering processes
- Tianwen-1 represents China's first independent interplanetary mission and demonstrates the country's growing capabilities in space exploration
Technological Challenges for Missions
Propulsion and Power Systems
- Advanced propulsion systems, such as and , are needed to enable more efficient and faster travel to distant targets
- Solar electric propulsion uses solar arrays to generate electricity, which powers ion engines that provide continuous, low-thrust propulsion, enabling missions to reach destinations that would be impractical with traditional chemical propulsion
- Nuclear thermal propulsion uses a nuclear reactor to heat a propellant, such as hydrogen, which is then expelled through a nozzle to generate thrust, providing higher specific impulse and shorter travel times compared to chemical propulsion
- Improved power systems, including () and advanced solar arrays, are essential for missions to operate in the outer solar system or on planetary surfaces with limited sunlight
- RTGs convert the heat generated by the decay of radioactive isotopes, such as plutonium-238, into electricity, providing a reliable and long-lasting power source for spacecraft operating in environments with limited solar energy
- Advanced solar arrays, such as flexible or concentrator arrays, can improve the efficiency and durability of solar power systems, enabling missions to operate in a wider range of environments and distances from the Sun
Autonomous Systems and Instrumentation
- and are crucial for missions targeting small bodies, moons, or planets with challenging terrains
- These systems use a combination of sensors, cameras, and onboard processing to detect and avoid hazards, select safe landing sites, and guide the spacecraft to a precise touchdown location
- Autonomous systems are particularly important for missions to distant or time-critical targets, where real-time communication with Earth is limited or impractical
- Robust and miniaturized scientific instruments are required to maximize data collection while minimizing payload mass and power consumption
- Advances in sensor technology, electronics, and materials science enable the development of compact, lightweight, and highly sensitive instruments that can withstand the harsh environments of space and planetary surfaces
- Examples of such instruments include , , and that can provide detailed analysis of planetary atmospheres, surfaces, and subsurface materials
Communication and Planetary Protection
- Enhanced communication systems, such as , are necessary to enable high-bandwidth data transmission from distant spacecraft to Earth
- Laser communication uses focused beams of light to transmit data at much higher rates than traditional radio frequency communication, enabling missions to send more data back to Earth in a shorter time
- This technology is particularly important for missions to the outer solar system or beyond, where the distance between the spacecraft and Earth can limit the amount of data that can be transmitted using conventional methods
- technologies, including sterilization and contamination control measures, are essential to prevent forward and backward contamination of planetary environments
- Forward contamination refers to the introduction of Earth-based microbes or organic materials to other planetary bodies, which could compromise the search for indigenous life or alter the planet's natural environment
- Backward contamination involves the potential transfer of extraterrestrial materials or organisms back to Earth, which could pose a risk to Earth's biosphere and human health
- Spacecraft and instruments must undergo rigorous cleaning and sterilization procedures to minimize the risk of contamination, and sample return missions must employ strict containment and quarantine protocols to ensure the safe handling and analysis of extraterrestrial materials
International Collaboration in Exploration
Benefits of International Partnerships
- International partnerships allow for cost-sharing, risk reduction, and the pooling of expertise and resources among space agencies
- By collaborating on missions, space agencies can distribute the financial burden, share technical knowledge, and leverage each other's strengths and capabilities
- Collaborative efforts also help to mitigate the risks associated with complex and challenging missions, as partners can provide backup systems, redundancy, and support in case of failures or anomalies
- Collaborative missions, such as the ESA-JAXA BepiColombo mission to Mercury and the ESA-NASA Mars Sample Return campaign, demonstrate the benefits of international cooperation
- BepiColombo combines the expertise and resources of the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to study Mercury's environment and evolution, with each agency contributing an orbiter to the mission
- The Mars Sample Return campaign involves close collaboration between NASA and ESA, with each agency responsible for specific elements of the mission, such as the sample retrieval lander, the Earth return orbiter, and the sample receiving facility
Coordination and Knowledge Sharing
- The () facilitates coordination and collaboration among space agencies for Mars exploration activities
- IMEWG provides a forum for space agencies to exchange information, discuss scientific priorities, and coordinate mission plans and objectives to maximize the scientific return and avoid duplication of efforts
- The working group also promotes the standardization of data formats and the sharing of scientific results and lessons learned from Mars missions
- The () serves as a forum for space agencies to discuss and coordinate global space exploration efforts, including missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond
- ISECG develops the Global Exploration Roadmap, a non-binding framework that outlines a shared vision and strategy for international space exploration
- The group facilitates the exchange of information on exploration plans, identifies opportunities for collaboration, and promotes the development of common exploration technologies and architectures
Diplomacy and Workforce Development
- International collaboration fosters scientific diplomacy, promoting peaceful cooperation and understanding among nations
- Space exploration provides a platform for countries to work together towards common goals, transcending political and cultural differences
- Collaborative missions and projects help to build trust, foster dialogue, and promote the exchange of ideas and perspectives among nations
- Global partnerships in planetary exploration contribute to the development of a skilled international workforce and the exchange of knowledge and technologies across borders
- International collaborations provide opportunities for scientists, engineers, and students from different countries to work together, learn from each other, and develop new skills and expertise
- The exchange of knowledge and technologies through collaborative projects helps to advance the state of the art in space exploration and promotes innovation and economic growth in the participating countries
Key Terms to Review (41)
Autonomous navigation: Autonomous navigation refers to the ability of spacecraft or rovers to navigate and make decisions independently without direct human intervention. This technology is essential for planetary exploration, enabling missions to operate efficiently in remote environments where real-time communication with Earth is limited or delayed. It allows vehicles to analyze their surroundings, plan routes, and adapt to unexpected challenges, ultimately enhancing the success and safety of current and future missions.
Bennu: Bennu is a near-Earth asteroid that is part of the Apollo group and is approximately 500 meters in diameter. It is significant for scientific research due to its carbon-rich composition, which may provide insights into the early solar system and the origins of life on Earth. As part of ongoing exploration efforts, Bennu has been a target for planetary missions aimed at understanding asteroid materials and potential resources.
BepiColombo: BepiColombo is a joint mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) aimed at studying Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun. This mission, named after the Italian scientist Giuseppe Colombo, seeks to understand Mercury's structure, geology, and magnetic field, as well as its history and relationship with the Sun.
Callisto: Callisto is the third-largest moon of Jupiter and the second-largest moon in the Solar System, known for its heavily cratered surface and potential subsurface ocean. As one of the Galilean moons, it plays a significant role in understanding the diversity of celestial bodies and has become a focus of current and future planetary missions aiming to explore its geological features and assess its habitability.
Cameras: Cameras are devices used to capture images and videos, essential for studying planetary bodies by obtaining visual data. They play a crucial role in various planetary missions, enabling scientists to analyze surfaces, atmospheres, and other characteristics of celestial objects. As technology evolves, cameras on space missions have become increasingly sophisticated, allowing for higher resolution images and more detailed observations of distant worlds.
Dragonfly: Dragonfly is a NASA mission designed to explore the moon Titan, Saturn's largest moon, using a rotorcraft lander. This innovative mission aims to gather data about Titan's atmosphere, surface, and potential for hosting life by flying to various locations on the moon, unlike traditional landers that remain stationary.
Drill: In the context of planetary missions, a drill is a specialized tool designed to penetrate the surface of celestial bodies to collect subsurface samples for analysis. Drills are crucial for understanding the geological history and composition of planets and moons, enabling scientists to uncover hidden resources and processes that shaped these bodies over time.
Envision: To envision means to imagine or visualize something, particularly concepts or plans related to future possibilities. In the context of planetary missions, envisioning involves predicting and designing the objectives, technologies, and outcomes for current and future explorations of celestial bodies, which can inspire innovative thinking and strategic planning.
Europa Clipper: Europa Clipper is a planned NASA mission designed to explore Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, which is believed to have a subsurface ocean beneath its icy crust. This mission aims to investigate Europa's potential for habitability and gather data that could provide insights into the possibility of life beyond Earth. By studying the moon's ice shell, ocean composition, and surface features, the Europa Clipper mission could significantly enhance our understanding of potentially habitable environments in our solar system.
Ganymede: Ganymede is the largest moon of Jupiter and the largest moon in the entire solar system, measuring about 5,268 kilometers in diameter. This unique celestial body is notable for its geological diversity, including an iron-rich core and a magnetic field, which makes it a point of interest in the study of planetary science and potential habitability.
Hayabusa2: Hayabusa2 is a Japanese spacecraft developed by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) that was launched in December 2014 to study the near-Earth asteroid Ryugu. This mission aims to gather valuable information about the origins of the solar system and the building blocks of life by returning samples from the asteroid back to Earth. The success of Hayabusa2 has paved the way for future planetary missions, showcasing advanced technologies for sample collection and return.
High-resolution cameras: High-resolution cameras are advanced imaging devices designed to capture detailed and sharp images with a high number of pixels. These cameras are crucial in planetary missions as they provide scientists with the ability to observe and analyze celestial bodies, terrain, and atmospheric conditions with exceptional clarity. The data collected from these cameras enhances our understanding of planetary features and processes, making them essential tools in both current and future space explorations.
Imewg: Imegw refers to the Interplanetary Medium Exploration and Weather Generation, a concept that encompasses the study and understanding of conditions in space that affect planetary missions. It involves analyzing factors like solar radiation, cosmic rays, and other environmental elements that can impact spacecraft and instruments during their journeys through space. A deep comprehension of imewg is vital for designing future missions and ensuring their success.
International Mars Exploration Working Group: The International Mars Exploration Working Group (IMEWG) is a collaborative effort among space agencies worldwide aimed at coordinating and promoting missions to Mars. This group facilitates the sharing of information, technology, and research among member nations to enhance the exploration of the Martian environment and its potential for future human settlement.
International Space Exploration Coordination Group: The International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) is a forum of space agencies worldwide that promotes international cooperation in space exploration. It aims to enhance collaboration in the planning and implementation of current and future planetary missions, facilitating information exchange and the sharing of best practices among member agencies to achieve common goals in space exploration.
ISECG: ISECG, or the International Space Exploration Coordination Group, is a collaborative effort among space agencies to promote and coordinate the exploration of space, particularly focusing on planetary exploration. It aims to enhance international cooperation, share knowledge and best practices, and establish a common framework for future missions to various celestial bodies, including the Moon and Mars.
Jezero Crater: Jezero Crater is an ancient impact crater located on Mars that is about 45 kilometers wide and is thought to have once hosted a lake, making it a prime target for astrobiological studies. Its unique geology and potential to contain preserved signs of past life have led to its selection as the landing site for NASA's Perseverance rover, which is currently exploring the crater's surface and collecting samples for future return to Earth.
Juice: In the context of planetary science, 'juice' refers to the JUpiter ICy moons Explorer, a European Space Agency mission aimed at exploring Jupiter and its largest moons, particularly Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. The mission is designed to investigate the potential habitability of these moons by analyzing their ice-covered oceans, geological activity, and possible subsurface environments that may support life. Understanding these celestial bodies helps deepen our knowledge of the solar system and the conditions for life beyond Earth.
Juno: Juno is a NASA space probe launched in 2011 to study Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. Its primary mission is to gather data about Jupiter's atmosphere, magnetic field, and internal structure, providing insights into the planet's formation and evolution. Juno's unique polar orbit allows it to explore the planet's poles and collect data that previous missions could not.
Jupiter: Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system, known for its massive size, strong magnetic field, and distinctive Great Red Spot. As a gas giant composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, it plays a crucial role in the dynamics of the solar system and influences the orbits of other celestial bodies.
Landing systems: Landing systems are the technologies and methods used to safely land spacecraft on planetary bodies. These systems encompass various techniques, including parachutes, retro rockets, and advanced guidance algorithms, to ensure a controlled descent and touchdown on a target surface. The effectiveness of landing systems is crucial for the success of current and future missions, impacting both the safety of the spacecraft and the quality of data collected after landing.
Laser communication: Laser communication refers to the use of lasers to transmit information over long distances through light signals. This technology is significant in planetary missions as it allows for higher data transfer rates compared to traditional radio frequency systems, making it possible to send and receive vast amounts of scientific data quickly and efficiently.
Laser spectrometers: Laser spectrometers are advanced scientific instruments that use laser light to analyze the composition of materials by measuring the wavelengths of light absorbed, emitted, or scattered by those materials. These devices are crucial for planetary missions as they allow scientists to determine the chemical and isotopic composition of planetary surfaces and atmospheres, which helps in understanding the history and evolution of celestial bodies.
Mars 2020: Mars 2020 is a NASA mission that successfully landed the Perseverance rover on Mars on February 18, 2021. This mission aims to explore the Jezero Crater, which is believed to have once contained water, and to search for signs of ancient life. It also serves as a precursor for future human exploration by testing new technologies and collecting samples for potential return to Earth.
Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter: The Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO) is a planned spacecraft designed to study Mercury's magnetosphere, which is the region of space around the planet influenced by its magnetic field. The MMO will provide valuable insights into how solar wind interacts with Mercury's weak magnetic field, helping scientists understand both the planet's atmosphere and its geological history.
Mercury Planetary Orbiter: The Mercury Planetary Orbiter refers to a spacecraft specifically designed to study Mercury, the innermost planet in our solar system. This orbiter aims to gather critical data about Mercury's geology, surface composition, and its magnetic field, providing insights into the planet's formation and evolution. Understanding Mercury is essential, as it serves as a comparative reference for studying terrestrial planets and the conditions of early solar system development.
Miniaturized mass spectrometers: Miniaturized mass spectrometers are compact analytical devices that measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions to identify and quantify different chemical species. These instruments are crucial for planetary missions, as they allow for in-situ analysis of atmospheric and surface materials on other planets, making them essential for understanding planetary compositions and processes.
NASA: NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is the United States government agency responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research. It plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of planetary science, integrating various scientific disciplines, and conducting missions that aim to explore and understand celestial bodies.
Nuclear thermal propulsion: Nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) is a type of rocket propulsion that uses a nuclear reactor to heat a propellant, typically hydrogen, which then expands and is expelled through a rocket nozzle to produce thrust. This technology has the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency and speed of spacecraft, making it particularly valuable for long-duration missions to distant planets and beyond.
OSIRIS-REx: OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer) is a NASA mission designed to study the near-Earth asteroid Bennu and return samples to Earth. Launched in 2016, this spacecraft aims to gather detailed information about the asteroid's composition, structure, and history, which could provide insight into the origins of the solar system and the potential for resources on asteroids.
Perseverance: Perseverance refers to the steadfastness and commitment to continue striving towards a goal despite facing obstacles, challenges, and setbacks. This quality is especially vital in the context of planetary missions, where the pursuit of knowledge about celestial bodies often encounters numerous scientific, technical, and financial hurdles. The concept embodies the determination required by scientists, engineers, and mission teams to overcome difficulties and achieve significant discoveries in space exploration.
Planetary protection: Planetary protection refers to the measures taken to prevent biological contamination of celestial bodies and to protect Earth from potential extraterrestrial life forms. It is crucial in ensuring that scientific exploration does not compromise the integrity of other planets or moons, while also safeguarding our planet from harmful microorganisms that could be brought back from missions. This concept intersects with concerns regarding contamination, advancements in technology, societal implications of space exploration, and the planning of current and future missions.
Radioisotope thermoelectric generators: Radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) are power systems that convert the heat released by the decay of radioactive isotopes into electrical energy. These generators are crucial for long-duration space missions where solar power is insufficient, as they provide a reliable and continuous power source for spacecraft and planetary rovers.
RTGs: Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) are devices that convert the heat released by the decay of radioactive isotopes into electrical power. They have been extensively used in various space missions due to their ability to provide a continuous and reliable power source for long-duration missions, especially in environments where solar power is not viable, such as deep space or shadowed regions of celestial bodies.
Ryugu: Ryugu is a near-Earth asteroid that was the target of the Hayabusa2 mission launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). This asteroid is notable for its diamond-like shape and dark surface, which consists of carbon-rich materials, providing valuable insights into the early solar system and the building blocks of life. The study of Ryugu has implications for emerging fields like planetary defense and the exploration of organic compounds in astrobiology.
Sample return: Sample return refers to the process of collecting samples from extraterrestrial bodies, such as asteroids, comets, or other planets, and bringing them back to Earth for detailed analysis. This method allows scientists to study the physical and chemical properties of these samples in a controlled environment, providing insights into the history and composition of celestial bodies, as well as the broader processes of planetary formation and evolution.
Solar Electric Propulsion: Solar electric propulsion is a technology that uses solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, which then powers ion thrusters to propel spacecraft. This method allows for efficient and long-duration space travel by providing a continuous thrust, making it ideal for missions to distant planets and beyond.
Spectrometers: Spectrometers are scientific instruments used to measure and analyze the spectrum of light, helping to identify materials based on their spectral properties. They play a crucial role in planetary missions by providing information about the composition, temperature, and physical properties of planetary surfaces and atmospheres through remote sensing.
Tianwen-1: Tianwen-1 is a Chinese interplanetary mission to Mars that successfully launched in July 2020 and reached the Red Planet in February 2021. The mission aims to conduct comprehensive research on Martian geology, topography, atmosphere, and potential signs of water, marking China's first independent mission to Mars and enhancing global exploration efforts of the planet.
Titan: Titan is the largest moon of Saturn and the second-largest natural satellite in the solar system, known for its dense atmosphere and intriguing surface features. It plays a significant role in understanding the diversity of planetary satellites, offering insights into atmospheric science, potential habitability, and the unique conditions that exist beyond Earth.
Zhurong: Zhurong is a Chinese rover that was part of the Tianwen-1 mission, which successfully landed on Mars in May 2021. Named after the ancient Chinese god of fire, Zhurong is designed to explore the Martian surface, conduct scientific experiments, and collect data about the planet's geology and climate, contributing to our understanding of Mars in the context of current and future planetary missions.