What's Happening?
NASA is considering a new mission to Pluto, named Persephone, to explore the possibility of a subsurface ocean. Following the 2015 New Horizons flyby, scientists have been intrigued by Pluto's geological features, which suggest an ocean may exist beneath its icy surface. The proposed mission would involve a spacecraft entering orbit around Pluto for over three years, equipped with 11 instruments to study the planet's shape, composition, and atmosphere. The mission aims to determine if Pluto's ocean remains liquid and to understand its geological activity.
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Why It's Important?
A mission to Pluto could significantly advance our understanding of icy worlds and their potential to harbor oceans. Discovering a subsurface ocean on Pluto would have implications for the study of habitability in the outer solar system and the processes that keep such oceans warm. The mission would also provide insights into the formation and evolution of Kuiper Belt objects, contributing to our knowledge of the solar system's history.
What's Next?
Launch opportunities for the Persephone mission are available from 2029 to 2032. The mission would require significant investment in nuclear power sources and would be a multi-generational project, challenging engineering and scientific operations over decades. If successful, it could pave the way for further exploration of the Kuiper Belt.
