![]() ![]() Future missions to the ice giants might explore those worlds using an approach similar to Cassini's mission. A variety of potential mission concepts are discussed in a recently completed study, delivered to NASA in preparation for the next Decadal Survey-including orbiters, flybys, and probes that would dive into Uranus' atmosphere to study its composition. Collectively, Uranus and Neptune are referred to as ice giant planets. The logo carries the inscription, 'Unlocking Mars' history,' in a bold gothic font, highlighting the. ![]() So far, each of these worlds has been visited by only one brief spacecraft flyby (Voyager 2, in 19, respectively). Space artist David Seal's colorful depiction of Mars and the next pair of spacecraft to explore its atmosphere and icy southern pole has been selected as the project insignia for NASA's 1998 Mars Polar Lander and Mars Climate Orbiter mission. Europa Clipper will make dozens of flybys of Jupiter's ocean moon to investigate its possible habitability, using an orbital tour design derived from the way Cassini explored Saturn.įarther out in the solar system, scientists have long had their eyes set on exploring Uranus and Neptune. Lessons learned during Cassini's mission are being applied in planning NASA's Europa Clipper mission, planned for launch in the 2020s. In revealing that Enceladus has essentially all the ingredients needed for life, the mission energized a pivot to the exploration of "ocean worlds" that has been sweeping planetary science over the past couple of decades. Before the mission ended, Cassini was an already powerful influence on future exploration. ![]()
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