[P-CG20] Future missions and instrumentation for space and planetary science

[PCG20-11] Outer Planet Exploration by Novel micro-Spacecraft (OPENS) Mission Concept

★Invited Papers

*Ozaki Naoya¹, Ryu Funase¹, Hajime Yano¹, Ryuki Hyodo¹, Yuki Kubo¹, Tomoaki Usuki¹, Takato Morishita¹, Yuki Akizuki¹, Wataru Torii¹, Masanori Matsushita², Naoya Sakatani¹, Shunta Kimura¹, Shintaro Nakajima¹, Go Ono¹, Shino Suzuki¹, Yoshitsugu Sone¹, Osamu Mori¹ (1.Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, 2.University of Tokyo)

Keywords:Outer Planet Exploration, Micro spacecraft, Saturn

JAXA's Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) is considering the OPENS program, a project to explore the outer planets using micro spacecraft, with the goal of "pioneering a world in which Japan can achieve first-rate scientific results in the field of outer planet exploration with its own spacecraft". As a latecomer to the field of planetary exploration missions, Japan needs to develop a planetary exploration strategy different from that of other countries in order to make its presence felt in the field of planetary exploration. Outer planet exploration missions using the H3 rocket are feasible in terms of mass resources. On the other hand, the large-class mission of H3 rockets that can be used for "outer planet exploration," which is one of the fields of planetary exploration, must be low-frequency. It is difficult for Japan, which is currently lagging behind in the field of outer planet exploration, to continue to make its presence felt with low frequency and low resources (financial and mass resources).

Therefore, the OPENS-0 mission, the first mission of the OPENS program, aims to develop a high-frequency exoplanet exploration program using a wide range of launch opportunities such as Epsilon S, H3, and phase-on launches by opening up a world where exoplanet exploration by a micro spacecraft using an Epsilon S launch vehicle is possible. The goal is to develop a high-frequency exoplanet exploration program using a wide range of launch opportunities, including Epsilon S, H3, and rideshare opportunities. For outer planet missions using the Epsilon S launch vehicle, the maximum transportable mass is limited to approximately 100 to 200 kg. OPENS-0 is considering the Saturn exploration mission (Saturn ring observation as a scientific mission) as shown in the figure. JAXA is studying the feasibility of the plan through the conceptual design of OPENS-0 and the realization of the development plan.