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]