Neptune Odyssey

For the operating system derived from Windows Neptune and Windows Odyssey, see Windows XP.
Neptune Odyssey
Artist's concept of a Neptune orbiter with potential atmospheric probes and a Triton lander, c. early 2000s
Mission typeNeptune orbiter
OperatorNASA
Mission durationCruise: 16 years
Science phase: 4 years[1]
Spacecraft properties
Launch mass3,218 kg (7,094 lb)[1]
Dry mass1,594 kg (3,514 lb)[1]
Payload mass214 kg (472 lb) plus 220 kg (490 lb) atmospheric probe[1]
DimensionsHeight: 6.96 m (22.8 ft)
Diameter: 4.56 m (15.0 ft)[1]
Power1,087 W (1.458 hp) from 3 Next-Generation Radioisotope thermoelectric generators[1]
Start of mission
Launch date2033 (proposed)[1]
RocketSpace Launch System (proposed)
Falcon Heavy (alternative)[1]
Neptune orbiter
Orbital insertion2049 (proposed)[1]
Neptune atmospheric probe
Atmospheric entry2049 (proposed)[1]

Neptune Odyssey is an orbiter mission concept to study Neptune and its moons, particularly Triton.[1] The orbiter would enter into a retrograde orbit of Neptune to facilitate simultaneous study of Triton and would launch an atmospheric probe to characterize Neptune's atmosphere. The concept is being developed as a potential large strategic science mission for NASA by a team led by the Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University. The current proposal targets a launch in 2033 using the Space Launch System with arrival at Neptune in 2049, although trajectories using gravity assists at Jupiter have also been considered with launch dates in 2031.

The mission concept was considered for possible recommendation as a mission priority in the 2023–2032 Planetary Science Decadal Survey. However, for logistical reasons the Uranus Orbiter and Probe mission was selected as the ice giant orbiter mission recommendation, with top priority ahead of the Enceladus Orbilander.[2][3]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Abigail Rymer; Brenda Clyde; Kirby Runyon (August 2020). "Neptune Odyssey: Mission to the Neptune-Triton System" (PDF). Retrieved 18 April 2021.
  2. ^ Origins, Worlds, and Life: A Decadal Strategy for Planetary Science and Astrobiology 2023-2032 (Prepublication ed.). National Academies Press. 19 January 2023. p. 800. doi:10.17226/26522. ISBN 978-0-309-47578-5. S2CID 248283239. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  3. ^ Foust, Jeff (19 April 2022). "Planetary science decadal endorses Mars sample return, outer planets missions". SpaceNews. Retrieved 19 April 2022.