Mission Overview

The Oceanus mission concept is designed to be launched in mid 2028 using the new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The launch places the spacecraft on a ballistic interplanetary trajectory towards Saturn. As the spacecraft approaches its encounter with Saturn, it detaches the first of its two atmospheric entry probes. The interplanetary trajectory is designed such that the probe enters Saturn’s atmosphere within a very narrow range of survivable entry conditions. Even within this survivable entry corridor, the probe must withstand a peak heat rate of 7000 W/cm^2. In order to avoid entering Saturn’s atmosphere itself, the orbiter performs a deflection maneuver to send it on a path to Uranus using a gravity assist from Saturn.

Oceanus arrives at Uranus in early 2040 after delivering its second entry probe into the atmosphere of the planet. To capture into orbit around Uranus, Oceanus must fire its rocket engine and burn over 1000 kg of propellant. The capture burn is performed in full view of Earth. Once captured, Oceanus remains in an elliptical 20-day science orbit for up to 3 years during which it can perform a multitude of detailed investigations about the ice giant.