Gravity Science With the Uranus Orbiter

Abstract

The Cassini and Juno missions have considerably expanded our understanding of Saturn, Jupiter, and their moons. The spacecraft radio tracking data acquired by the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) have enabled the accurate measurement of gravitational perturbations of these planetary bodies on the spacecraft trajectory. The inferred static zonal gravity fields have been key in understanding the interior structure and dynamics within Jupiter and Saturn. Repeated flybys of moons such as Titan and Enceladus can also constrain their interior properties, putting constraints on their formation and evolution, and potential habitability. The exploration of the Uranus system by NASA’s future flagship mission (Uranus Orbiter and Probe, UOP) holds the promise of making similar gains for Uranus and its moons. Here we address the gravity science that may be possible with UOP.