The Science Case for Spacecraft Exploration of the Uranian Satellites
Whitepaper #078 submitted to the Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey 2023-2032. Topics: giant planets systems; ocean worlds; other planetary bodies: Exploration of Ice Giant systems
by Richard Cartwright, Chloe Beddingfield, Tom Nordheim, Catherine Elder, Will Grundy, Bonnie Buratti, Ali Bramson, Michael Sori, Robert Pappalardo, Marc Neveu, Devon Burr, Anton Ermakov, Joe Roser, Julie Castillo-Rogez, Mark Showalter, Ian Cohen, Elizabeth Turtle, and Mark Hofstadter
Published onMar 18, 2021
The Science Case for Spacecraft Exploration of the Uranian Satellites
The five classical Uranian moons are possible ocean worlds that exhibit bizarre geologic landforms, hinting at recent surface-interior communication. However, Uranus’ classical moons, as well as its ring moons and irregular satellites, remain poorly understood. We assert that a Flagship-class orbiter is needed to explore the Uranian satellites.
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY 4.0)
