The Arcanum Mission: Scientific Objectives and Instruments for Neptune, Triton and KBOs

TL;DR

The Arcanum mission proposes a new approach to space mission design using large, high-capacity launch vehicles like SpaceX Starship, enabling ambitious scientific exploration of Neptune, Triton, and KBOs.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mission concept leveraging super heavy-lift launch vehicles for large-scale scientific missions to outer Solar System objects.

Findings

Feasible large mission sizes with high delta-V transfer capabilities.

Design of a demonstrator vehicle supporting a multi-component science platform.

Potential to answer extensive scientific questions about Neptune, Triton, and KBOs.

Abstract

The Arcanum mission is a proposed L-class spacecraft that highlights the revolutionary approach which can now be taken to future space mission design. Using the case of the SpaceX Starship vehicle and in particular the high mass and volume characteristics of this launcher, the feasible large size of future missions, even with high delta-V transfer requirements, are analysed. A demonstrator vehicle, designed to support a large and capable science platform with multiple components, is detailed, clearly showing the range and depth of science goals that will be answerable thanks to the current revolution in super heavy-lift launch vehicles.