Browse and search white papers and mission & technology studies received by the Planetary Science Decadal Survey. Click here for basic user instructions.

Total results: 31

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Authors	Title	Summary	Panel Selection	Institution	Download/ Details
Reta Beebe	Saturn Atmospheric Entry Probe Mission Study	The science objectives of the Saturn Atmospheric Probe Mission Study are divided into two groups:"Tier 1," the science floor objectives that would need to be addressed to make the mission worthwhile, and "Tier 2," the next highest priority level, with objectives that prospective Principal Investigators could reasonably add, given sufficient resources.	Giant Planets	New Mexico State University	Download File More Details
Phil Nicholson Co-Authors: Matthew Tiscareno, Linda Spilker	Saturn Ring Observer Study Report	The Saturn Ring Observer (SRO) study was requested by the Giant Planets Panel of the 2012 Planetary Science Decadal Survey (PSDS). The panel specified two study objectives: -Investigate the method(s) by which a spacecraft might be placed in a tight circular orbit around Saturn, using chemical or nuclear-electric propulsion or aerocapture in Saturn''s atmosphere. The critical issue is trajectory. -Identify technological developments for the next decade that would enable such a mission in the post-2023 timeframe (after the next Saturnian equinox), with a particular focus on power and propulsion.	Giant Planets	Cornell University Cornell University Jet Propulsion Laboratory	Download File More Details
John Spencer	JPL Rapid Mission Architecture (RMA) Enceladus Study Final Report	At the request of the Satellites Panel of the Planetary Science Decadal Survey, a Rapid Mission Architecture (RMA) study of possible missions to Saturn''s moon Enceladus was conducted at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in January and February of 2010. Fifteen mission architectures were examined that spanned a broad range of potential science return and total estimated mission cost. This report documents the findings of that study.	Satellites	Southwest Research Institute	Download File More Details
John Spencer	Enceladus Orbiter	The Enceladus Orbiter (EO) mission would explore Saturn''s moon Enceladus, investigating the following in order of priority: -The nature of Enceladus''s cryovolcanic activity -The internal structure and chemistry of Enceladus -The geology of Enceladus -The interaction of Enceladus with the Saturn system -The surfaces and interiors of Saturn''s moons Rhea, Dione and Tethys -Preparation for potential future landing on Enceladus	Satellites	Southwest Research Institute	Download File More Details
J. Hunter Waite	JPL Team X Titan Lake Probe Study Final Report	This study focused on an in-situ examination of a hydrocarbon lake on the Saturnian moon Titan -- a target that presents unique scientific opportunities as well as several unique engineering challenges (e.g., submersion systems and cryogenic sampling) to enable those measurements. Per direction from the National Research Council (NRC) 2012SS Planetary Decadal Survey Satellites Panel, and after an initial trade-space examination, study architectures focused on three possible New Frontiers'' class missions and a more ambitious Flagship-class lander intended as a contributed portion of a larger collaborative mission.	Satellites	Southwest Research Institute	Download File More Details
Marc Buie Co-Author: Joe Veverka	Chiron Orbiter Mission	The National Research Council''s Planetary Science Decadal Survey: Primitive Bodies Panel has commissioned NASA''s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) with a rapid architecture study conducted under NASA Headquarters leadership. The purpose of the study is to determine whether a mission to orbit the Centaur Object Chiron can be achieved within a New Frontiers cost range with a limited supply of Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generators (ASRGs).	Primitive Bodies	Southwest Research Institute Cornell University	Download File More Details
William Hubbard Co-Author: Mark Marley	Ice Giants Decadal Study	The purpose of this study was to define a preferred concept approach along with the risk/cost trade space for a Uranus or Neptune Mission launched in the 2020-2023 time frame and within a cost range of $1.5B-$1.9B in FY15$. The study was conducted by a team led by William Hubbard with members of both the Giant Planets and Satellites Panels working with the JHU/APL Space Department as the design center. NASA Glenn Research Center's COMPASS team made significant contributions as part of the design team in the areas of mission design, solar electric propulsion stage concept development, and Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator performance.	Giant Planets	University of Arizona, Lunar and Planetary LaboratoryAmes Research Center	Download File More Details
Mark Marley	JPL Rapid Mission Architecture Neptune-Triton-KBO Study Final Report	This JPL Rapid Mission Architecture (RMA) study was not a mission concept study of a single mission, but instead was an architectural-level study of a set of missions to the Neptune system and, for some, continued travel to a Kuiper Belt Object (KBO). It was commissioned by three Planetary Science Decadal Survey Panels: Giant Planets, Satellites, and Primitive Bodies, whose diverse sets of science priorities made tailoring architectures to the science priorities particularly challenging.	Giant Planets	Ames Research Center	Download File More Details
Joe Veverka	Comet Surface Sample Return (CSSR) Mission	The National Academy of Science''s Decadal Survey (New Frontiers in the Solar System: An Integrated Exploration Strategy, 2003) recommended that NASA develop a medium-class mission to return a comet surface sample to Earth for laboratory analysis. NASA tasked the Applied Physics Laboratory to refine the concepts described in the Decadal Survey.	Primitive Bodies	Cornell University	Download File More Details
Joe Veverka	Cryogenic Comet Nucleus Sample Return (CNSR) Mission Technology Study	This report documents the results of a study commissioned by the 2012 Decadal Report Primitive Bodies Panel to provide inputs to six key technological issues that need to be addressed to facilitate a Cryogenic Nucleus Sample Return (CNSR) mission and that will likely not be solved by other primitive bodies missions.	Primitive Bodies	Cornell University	Download File More Details
John Casani	Small Fission Power System Feasibility Study Final Report	In early March 2010, the Decadal Survey Giant Planets Panel (GPP) requested a short-turnaround study to evaluate the feasibility of a small fission power system (FPS) for future unspecified National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) science missions. FPS technology was considered a potential option for power levels that might not be achievable with radioisotope power systems. A study plan was generated, and a joint NASA/Department of Energy (DOE) study team was formed.	Giant Planets	Jet Propulsion Laboratory	Download File More Details

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These documents have been prepared in coordination with the National Academies of Science in support of the National Academies Planetary Science Decadal Survey. These documents are being made available for information purposes only, and any views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of NASA, JPL, or the California Institute of Technology.