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MUSE (spacecraft)
| Mission type | Reconnaissance, atmospheric probe |
|---|---|
| Operator | European Space Agency[1] |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | MUSE |
| Launch mass | 4,219 kg (9,301 lb)[2] |
| Dry mass | 2,073 kg (4,570 lb) |
| Payload mass | Orbiter: 252 kg (556 lb) Probe: 150 kg (330 lb)[3] |
| Dimensions | cylindrical bus 3 m × 1.6 m[3] |
| Power | 436 W Li-ion batteries: 3,376 Wh Generator: four ASRGs |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | September 2026 (proposed) November 2029 (if delayed) |
| Rocket | Ariane 6 (proposed) |
| Uranus orbiter | |
| Orbital insertion | 2044 (proposed) 2049 (if delayed) |
| Orbits | 36 |
| Uranus atmospheric probe | |
| Spacecraft component | Entry probe |
| Atmospheric entry | 2044 (proposed) |
MUSE (Mission to Uranus for Science and Exploration[3]) is a European proposal for a dedicated mission to the planet Uranus to study its atmosphere, interior, moons, rings, and magnetosphere.[2][4] It is proposed to be launched with an Ariane 6 in 2026, travel for 16.5 years to reach Uranus in 2044, and would operate until 2050.[4]
The European Space Operations Centre would monitor and control the mission, as well as generate and provide the raw data sets. In 2012, the cost was estimated at €1.8 billion.[2] The mission addresses the themes of the ESA Cosmic Vision 2015–2025.[2] This was designed as an L-Class[clarification needed] flagship level mission; however, it is constrained by the need for RTGs.[5] MUSE was also analyzed in the US as an Enhanced New Frontiers class mission in 2014.[3]
- ^ Kane, Van (25 September 2013). "Europe Will Select Its Next Major Science Mission in November". The Planetary Society. Retrieved 2016-03-31.
- ^ a b c d Costa, M.; Bocanegra, T.; Bracken, C.; et al. (June 2012). Mission to the Uranus System: MUSE. Unveiling the evolution and formation of icy giants (PDF). 2012 Post Alpbach Summer School. Madrid, Spain.
- ^ a b c d Saikia, S. J.; Daubar, I. J.; et al. (2014). A new frontiers mission concept for the exploration of Uranus (PDF). 45th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference.
- ^ a b Bocanegra-Bahamón, Tatiana (2015). "MUSE Mission to the Uranian System: Unveiling the evolution and formation of ice giants" (PDF). Advances in Space Research. 55 (9): 2190–2216. Bibcode:2015AdSpR..55.2190B. doi:10.1016/j.asr.2015.01.037.
- ^ Bocanegra-Bahamón, Tatiana; Bracken, Colm; Costa Sitjà, Marc; Dirkx, Dominic; Gerth, Ingo; Konstantinidis, Kostas; Labrianidis, Christos; Laneuville, Matthieu; Luntzer, Armin (2015-05-01). "MUSE – Mission to the Uranian system: Unveiling the evolution and formation of ice giants". Advances in Space Research. 55 (9): 2190–2216. Bibcode:2015AdSpR..55.2190B. doi:10.1016/j.asr.2015.01.037. ISSN 0273-1177.
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