| Mission type | Reconnaissance Multiple flyby Outer planets Kuiper belt exploration |
|---|---|
| Operator | NASA |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Power | RTG (proposed) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | Launch window: 2020s |
| Flyby of Neptune, Triton, and one KBO | |
| Closest approach | Neptune: 8-11 years after launch.[1] KBO: an additional 3-5 years[1] |
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Argo was a 2009 spacecraft mission concept by NASA to the outer planets and beyond.[1][2][3] The concept included flybys of Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and a Kuiper belt object.[1] A focus on Neptune and its largest moon Triton would have helped answer some of the questions generated by Voyager 2's flyby in 1989,[1] and would have provided clues to ice giant formation and evolution.[2]
- ^ a b c d e Hansen, C. J.; et al. (27 August 2009). "Neptune Science with Argo – A Voyage through the Outer Solar System". Jet Propulsion Laboratory. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.439.5280.
A launch opportunity to the outer Solar System via Neptune opens in 2015 and lasts through the end of 2019, with backup options in 2020. It allows trajectories with reasonably short trip times to Neptune (8-11 years) and the Kuiper Belt (an additional 3-5 years), as well as low Triton approach speeds <17 km/sec.
- ^ a b "Argo: Exploring the Neptune System and Beyond" (PDF). EPSC Abstracts. European Planetary Science Congress. 2009. Retrieved 2016-11-07.
- ^ White Paper: Argo Mission to Neptune, Triton, and a KBO. Future Planetary Exploration, 30 August 2009.