Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the - Solar System ...

Io Observer Spacecraft
SOURCE: NASA Mission Study (transmitted from Curt Niebur, NASA SMD/Planetary
Science Division)
Scientific Objectives
• Determine internal structure of Io and mechanisms
contributing to Io’s volcanism
• Key science themes:
– Model volcanic processes on Io
– Determine the state of Io’s mantle
– Model Io’s tidal heating mechanisms
– Model tectonic processes on Io
– Understand interrelation between volcanic, atmospheric,
plasma torus, and magnetospheric mass‐ and energy‐
exchange processes
– Determine whether Io’s core is generating a magnetic
field
– Characterize Io’s surface composition
– Improve our understanding of the Jupiter system
Key Parameters
• Flight System Payload
– Narrow Angle Imager
– Thermal Mapper
– Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer
– Flux Gate Magnetometer
• Powered by two Advanced Stirling Radioisotope
Generators (ASRGs)
• Launch Mass: 1946 kg
• Launch Date: 2021 on Atlas V 401
• Orbit: 46‐degree inclined orbit at Jupiter with multiple Io
flybys
Io Observer
Key Challenges
• Radiation
– Electronics vault design
– Radiation tolerant electronics and detectors
• System Power
– Negative power margin when accounting for power
growth contingency
– Likely to require three ASRGs instead of two
Key Cost Element Comparison
Cost Risk Analysis S‐Curve
PREPUBLICATION COPY—SUBJECT TO FURTHER EDITORIAL CORRECTION
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