[Paper Review] Planetary Exploration Horizon 2061 Report, Chapter 3: From science questions to Solar System exploration

V. Dehant, Michel Blanc+32 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Nov 8, 2022

Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life4 citations

TL;DR

This paper maps six fundamental science questions about planetary systems—ranging from origins and architectures to habitability and life—onto targeted solar system exploration missions. By analyzing the scientific value of visiting terrestrial planets, giant planets, small bodies, and the interstellar boundary, it defines critical observation requirements and measurement techniques to guide future planetary missions by 2061.

ABSTRACT

This chapter of the Planetary Exploration Horizon 2061 Report reviews the way the six key questions about planetary systems, from their origins to the way they work and their habitability, identified in chapter 1, can be addressed by means of solar system exploration, and how one can find partial answers to these six questions by flying to the different provinces to the solar system: terrestrial planets, giant planets, small bodies, and up to its interface with the local interstellar medium. It derives from this analysis a synthetic description of the most important space observations to be performed at the different solar system objects by future planetary exploration missions. These observation requirements illustrate the diversity of measurement techniques to be used as well as the diversity of destinations where these observations must be made. They constitute the base for the identification of the future planetary missions we need to fly by 2061, which are described in chapter 4. Q1- How well do we understand the diversity of planetary systems objects? Q2- How well do we understand the diversity of planetary system architectures? Q3- What are the origins and formation scenarios for planetary systems? Q4- How do planetary systems work? Q5- Do planetary systems host potential habitats? Q6- Where and how to search for life?

Motivation & Objective

• To translate six overarching science questions about planetary systems into actionable exploration goals across the solar system.
• To identify the most scientifically valuable destinations—terrestrial planets, giant planets, small bodies, and the heliosphere boundary—for future planetary missions.
• To define essential observation requirements and measurement techniques needed to address planetary science questions at each destination.
• To provide a science-driven foundation for selecting future planetary exploration missions to be implemented by 2061.
• To bridge the gap between high-level scientific questions and concrete mission design through a systematic, destination-based analysis.

Proposed method

• Analyzes the six core science questions from Chapter 1 of the Horizon 2061 report in relation to planetary system science.
• Categorizes solar system bodies into four provinces: terrestrial planets, giant planets, small bodies, and the heliosphere interface.
• Evaluates how each province can contribute to answering specific science questions through in-situ and remote sensing observations.
• Identifies key measurement techniques—such as in-situ sampling, atmospheric probes, radar, and magnetospheric monitoring—tailored to each destination.
• Synthesizes observation requirements based on scientific priorities, technological feasibility, and mission architecture constraints.
• Transitions from science goals to mission design by linking each observation need to specific mission objectives and target locations.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 How can solar system exploration advance our understanding of planetary system diversity in terms of composition, structure, and evolution?
• RQ2 What role do different solar system bodies—terrestrial planets, gas giants, icy moons, and small bodies—play in revealing planetary system formation and architecture?
• RQ3 How do planetary systems form and evolve, and what evidence can be found in our own solar system’s bodies?
• RQ4 What physical and chemical processes govern the internal and atmospheric dynamics of planets and their satellites?
• RQ5 Where in the solar system are conditions most favorable for hosting potential habitats, and how can we detect them?

Key findings

• The six science questions can be systematically addressed by targeted exploration of four solar system provinces: terrestrial planets, giant planets, small bodies, and the heliosphere boundary.
• Each province offers unique opportunities to probe planetary system origins, dynamics, and habitability through specific measurement techniques.
• Critical observation requirements include in-situ sampling of regolith and atmospheres, long-duration monitoring of atmospheric and magnetic fields, and remote sensing of surface and subsurface structures.
• The analysis identifies a diverse set of future mission targets and measurement needs that collectively support the science goals of the Horizon 2061 vision.
• The synthesis provides a science-driven roadmap for prioritizing planetary missions to be flown by 2061, forming the basis for Chapter 4’s mission recommendations.
• The report establishes a framework for aligning future exploration with fundamental questions about planetary systems, habitability, and life.