| Mission type | Atmospheric probe |
|---|---|
| Operator | NASA |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | August 30, 2027 (proposed) |
| Flyby of Earth | |
| Closest approach | July 16, 2030 (proposed) |
| Distance | 300 km (190 mi) |
| Saturn atmospheric probe | |
| Spacecraft component | Atmospheric probe |
| Atmospheric entry | June 22, 2034 (proposed) |
| Flyby of Saturn | |
| Spacecraft component | Carrier-relay spacecraft |
| Closest approach | June 22, 2034 (proposed) |
| Distance | ≈ 100 000 km |
The Saturn Atmospheric Entry Probe is a mission concept study for a robotic spacecraft to deliver a single probe into Saturn to study its atmosphere. The concept study was done to support the NASA 2010 Planetary Science Decadal Survey[1][2][3]
Due to the orbits and relative positions of Saturn and Earth, launch was proposed for 30 August 2027 for a 22 June 2034 arrival.[3] The mission was studied for the NASA Planetary Science Decadal Survey[2][4] as a possible NASA New Frontiers-class mission.[1]
- ^ a b Beebe, Reta (September 2010). "Saturn Atmospheric Entry Probe Trade Study". Retrieved 2 August 2013. (Archived from the original).
- ^ a b Squyres, Steve. "Vision and Voyages For Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022" (PDF). National Research Council. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-11-14.
- ^ a b Saturn Atmospheric Entry Probe mission study (PDF). Planetary Science Decadal Survey (2010). NASA and Planetary Science Decadal Survey. April 2010.
- ^ NRC Space Studies Board Planetary Decadal Survey: "Vision & Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022," (PDF). National Academies Press, March 7, 2011.