| Popis: |
This paper presents a near-term implementation solution to the exploration of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io. We first start by providing the scientific rationale for a mission to Io, and its alignment within NASA's strategic plan. The instruments selected represent a careful balance between focused scientific goals, and programmatic restrictions imposed by a Discovery-class mission. We discuss the difficulties inherent in visiting distant Io, including those to be expected from its extreme radiation environment. The mission design incorporates a trajectory in line with overall cost constraints, including launch vehicle limitations. Finally, the spacecraft design incorporates the use of solar arrays and chemical propulsion as a demonstration of the feasibility of executing an outer planet mission with state-of-the-art technology. In summary, we present the scientific rationale and demonstrate both the feasibility and limitations of a Discovery-class mission to Io, relying exclusively on existing or near-term developing technologies. |
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