ODINUS (Origins, Dynamics, and Interiors of the Neptunian and Uranian Systems) is a space mission concept proposed to the European Space Agency's Cosmic Vision programme. The ODINUS mission concept proposes to expand the Uranus orbiter and probe mission to two twin orbiters— dubbed Freyr and Freyja, the twin gods of the Norse pantheon.The ODINUS Mission Concept. White paper submitted to the European Space Agency call for L2 and L3 science themes (2013). Diego Turrini, Romolo Politi, Roberto Peron, Davide Grassi, Christina Plainaki, Mauro Barbieri, David M. Lucchesi, Gianfranco Magni, Francesca Altieri, Valeria Cottini, Nicolas Gorius, Patrick Gaulme, François-Xavier Schmider, Alberto Adriani, Giuseppe Piccioni. Their primary mission would be to study Neptune and Uranus with one orbiter each. If selected, ODINUS would launch in 2034.

Instruments

The following six instruments are considered essential to the mission: Camera (Wide and Narrow Angle) – Designed to image the planet at the same level of detail as missions to the two gas giants have provided. VIS-NIR Image Spectrometer Magnetometer – To study the magnetic fields of Neptune. Mass Spectrometer (Ions and Neutrals, INMS) Doppler Spectro-Imager – To take seismic measurements. Microwave Radiometer The following two additional instruments are strongly desired by the mission proposers: Energetic Neutral Atoms Detector – To complement the measurements of the INMS. High-sensitivity Accelerometer – To be used in the atmospheric descent phase.

See also Exploration of Neptune Exploration of Uranus

Uranus mission proposals Uranus Orbiter and Probe MUSE OCEANUS Uranus Pathfinder

References