K. Hibbitts

This report describes a study evaluating the potential for a balloon-based optical telescope as a planetary science asset to achieve decadal class science. The study considered potential science achievable and science traceability relative to the most recent planetary science decadal survey, potential platform features, and demonstration flights in the evaluation process. Science Potential and Benefits: This study confirms the cost the-benefit value for planetary science purposes. Forty-four (44) important questions of the decadal survey are at least partially addressable through balloon based capabilities. Planetary science through balloon observations can provide significant science through observations in the 300 nm to 5 m range and at longer wavelengths as well. Additionally, balloon missions have demonstrated the ability to progress from concept to observation to publication much faster than a space mission increasing the speed of science return. Planetary science from a balloo...

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the planetary science community have recently been exploring the potential contributions of stratospheric balloons to the planetary science field. A study that was recently concluded explored the roughly 200 or so science questions raised in the Planetary Decadal Survey report and found that about 45 of those questions are suited to stratospheric balloon based observations. In September of 2014, a stratospheric balloon mission called BOPPS (which stands for Balloon Observation Platform for Planetary Science) was flown out of Fort Sumner, New Mexico. The mission had two main objectives, first, to observe a number of planetary targets including one or more Oort cloud comets and second, to demonstrate the applicability and performance of the platform, instruments, and subsystems for making scientific measurements in support planetary science objectives. BOPPS carried two science instruments, BIRC and UVVis. BIRC is a cryogeni...

Mineralogical characterization and far-infrared spectroscopy of laboratory analogues in the wavelength range 57 - 210 micron is performed for interpreting data from the Herschel Space Observatory's Photodetector Array Camera and Spectrometer (PACS). Minerals of particular interest include silicates, metal sulfides, carbonates, and phyllosilicates. Unique and novel characteristics of this work include direct measurement of 1 - 250 micron particle sizes,

Galileo's observations in the 1600's of the dynamic system of Jupiter and its moons launched a revolution in understanding the way planetary systems operate. Now, some 400 years later, the discovery of extra solar planetary systems with Jupiter-sized bodies has led to a similar revolution in thought regarding how these systems form and evolve. From the time of Galileo, the

We present near-infrared images and spectra obtained in the final 18 months of remote sensing activities from the Galileo spacecraft. These span several encounters, including a joint observational campaign by the first two spectral imagers to be sent to the outer solar system ­ the Near-Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS) on board Galileo and the Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS)

Galileo's observations in the 1600's of the dynamic system of Jupiter and its moons launched a revolution in understanding the way planetary systems operate. Now, some 400 years later, the discovery of extra solar planetary systems with Jupiter-sized bodies has led to a similar revolution in thought regarding how these systems form and evolve. From the time of Galileo, the

ABSTRACT Traditional applications of passive reflectance or emission spectroscopy are poorly suited for astrobiology of icy satellite surfaces, because ice is strongly absorbing and masks spectral regions where organics are active. Two recent Flagship missions, Galileo and Cassini, observed Europa with multiple instruments but failed to detect any organic molecules on its surface, highlighting the difficulty of conducting astrobiology from orbit. We are studying a new mission concept that would directly address the organic composition and habitability of the subsurface. This mission, inspired by the recent success of Deep Impact, uses a hypervelocity impactor launched from a Jupiter-orbiting spacecraft, to excavate to below the depth of the radiation-altered layer. The aim is not to penetrate to the ocean, but to impact into a region where material from the ocean likely migrated toward the surface. Although now frozen, this material is expected to contain remnants of organics and other oceanic material, unaltered by irradiation given a sufficient excavation depth. The organic and bulk compositions of the near surface will be characterized in the plumes and in the fallen ejecta using emission and reflectance spectroscopy. Additionally, high-resolution images of the crater will be taken during subsequent flybys to determine approximate properties of the ice shell. We expect such a mission could use conventional propulsion and could potentially fit within a New Frontiers class cost-cap. Such a mission would serve to bridge the science gap between an orbiter and a lander, and would provide vital information that will help in the science planning and instrument selection for follow-on landed missions. Alternatively, this mission concept could be used in conjunction with a Flagship-class orbiter mission to dramatically increase its science return. This mission concept has general applicability and would be relevant to all airless icy satellites of interest, including Europa and Enceladus.