NASA astrophysicist Kathleen E. Mandt called on the appointed space agency to build and launch the new probe. It should be tasked with uncovering other “secrets of the Uranus system”.
Specifically, Mandt would like to find out exactly how Uranus was formed, how much it later “migrated” and what its internal structure is like. He is also interested in the atmosphere, magnetosphere, rings and moons of the planet in question.
“This mission will inspire and educate generations about the history of the Solar System and the mysteries of its farthest reaches.” she stated i.a. in his article.
How emphasizes Gizmodo, Uranus definitely deserves our attention. One reason is the fact that it has a staggering 28 moons, some of which may have had (or even still do) liquid water in the past.
Despite this, NASA has not sent a probe to it since Voyager 2 flew by in 1986. And that is precisely why Mandt decided to design the so-called Uranus Orbiter and Probe (UOP).
“The scientific community has waited more than 30 years to explore the ice giants, and missions to them will benefit many generations to come.” he argues.
