NASA's proposed Persephone mission seeks to explore Pluto and the Kuiper Belt, potentially launching in the 2030s. Following the New Horizons flyby in 2015, interest in Pluto has surged, with researchers looking to address fundamental questions about this distant dwarf planet.
The mission aims to orbit Pluto and extend its reach to other Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs). Preliminary designs are focused on answering four key questions, including the possibility of a subsurface ocean on Pluto. Observations from New Horizons suggested geological activity that could indicate liquid water beneath the icy surface.
The Persephone orbiter is designed to gather data over a three-year period, studying Pluto and its largest moon, Charon, along with other KBOs. Equipped with advanced instruments such as cameras, spectrometers, and magnetometers, the orbiter will provide detailed insights into the surfaces and atmospheres of these celestial bodies.
Projected to cost $3 billion, the mission represents one of the most expensive planetary initiatives proposed. Its launch is planned for 2031, utilizing an SLS rocket, with a journey to Pluto taking approximately 28 years. Enhancements in nuclear electric propulsion could shorten this travel time.
Utilizing gravitational assists from Jupiter and Charon, the mission could explore multiple KBOs after its primary objectives. This long-term commitment, requiring nearly three decades, underscores the importance of understanding the formation and evolution of our solar system.
Persephone’s findings could significantly expand our knowledge of planetary systems beyond our own. As stated by Dr. Alan Stern, principal investigator of New Horizons, an orbital mission to Pluto is essential for addressing outstanding questions raised by previous discoveries. The mission not only aims to deepen our understanding of Pluto but also highlights the significance of small celestial bodies in cosmic history.