The Science Case for Spacecraft Exploration of the Uranian Satellites
Richard J. Cartwright, Chloe B. Beddingfield, Tom Nordheim, Catherine, Elder, Will Grundy, Ali Bramson, Michael Sori, Robert Pappalardo, Marc Neveu,, Devon Burr, Anton Ermakov, Joe Roser, Julie Castillo-Rogez, Mark Showalter,, Ian Cohen, Zibi Turtle, Mark Hofstadter
TL;DR
This paper argues for a flagship spacecraft mission to explore Uranus's moons, which are potentially ocean worlds with unique geology, to better understand their surface and interior characteristics.
Contribution
It highlights the scientific importance of a dedicated orbiter mission to Uranus's moons, emphasizing the need for detailed exploration of these poorly understood celestial bodies.
Findings
Uranian moons may be ocean worlds with active geology
Current knowledge of Uranus's satellites is limited
A dedicated orbiter is essential for detailed study
Abstract
The five classical Uranian moons are possible ocean worlds that exhibit bizarre geologic landforms, hinting at recent surface-interior communication. However, Uranus' classical moons, as well as its ring moons and irregular satellites, remain poorly understood. We assert that a Flagship-class orbiter is needed to explore the Uranian satellites.
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