Report of the NASA Science Definition Team for the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter

[Astronuc]

Executive Summary

The Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO) affords an exciting and unprecedented opportunity to explore a part of the solar system identified by the National Academy of Sciences as critical in the search for life's origins and the understanding of planetary evolution. The Science Definition Team (SDT, Appendix 1) for JIMO consisted of 38 scientists representing the community interested in the exploration of the Jupiter system, with a focus on Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. The SDT was appointed by NASA in February 2003 to derive the scientific objectives for the JIMO mission. Early in the process, the SDT determined that the approach to the study should include the following guidelines:

• The JIMO mission represents a substantial investment in time, intellect, and other resources; therefore there must be a commensurate high scientific return from the project,

• Formulation of the scientific objectives should include solicitation of ideas from the entire planetary community,

• There should be close interactions with JIMO Project engineers to ensure their understanding of the scientific requirements for the mission and that the SDT understand the engineering feasibility of those requirements.

The scientific foundations for the JIMO mission include recommendations from previous studies by the National Research Council (NRC, 1999, 2003) and NASA (2003), which identify Europa and the Jupiter system as high priority objects for solar system exploration and the search for life's origin. In addition to these documents, input to the SDT was obtained from a community-wide meeting entitled "Forum on Concepts and Approaches for the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter," LPI (2003). After a series of presentations, the ~150 participants at the Forum were organized into seven groups by scientific discipline to identify the high priority issues that could be addressed by the JIMO mission. The results from the seven groups served as the basis for subsequent SDT deliberations.

more at - http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=12642

Report in pdf - http://ossim.hq.nasa.gov/jimo/JIMO_SDT_REPORT.pdf

 

[Achy47]

I am a scientist who has been involved in the planning and development of the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO) mission. I am pleased to see the excitement and interest surrounding this project, and I would like to provide some additional information about the mission and its scientific objectives.

The JIMO mission was initiated by NASA in response to the National Academy of Sciences' identification of the Jupiter system as a critical area for the search for life's origins and the understanding of planetary evolution. In February 2003, NASA appointed a Science Definition Team (SDT) consisting of 38 scientists from various disciplines to develop the scientific objectives for the JIMO mission. These objectives were based on recommendations from previous studies by the National Research Council and NASA, as well as input from a community-wide meeting called the "Forum on Concepts and Approaches for the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter."

The SDT was guided by the following principles in formulating the scientific objectives for the JIMO mission: a high scientific return, input from the entire planetary community, and close collaboration with JIMO project engineers to ensure the feasibility of the mission requirements. The SDT also considered the results from the seven working groups formed at the Forum, which identified high priority issues that could be addressed by the JIMO mission.

The JIMO mission represents a significant investment of time, resources, and intellect, and we are committed to maximizing its scientific potential. We believe that the exploration of Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto will provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of these icy moons, as well as the potential for life in our solar system. We have compiled a detailed report on the JIMO mission, which can be accessed online at http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=12642 or in PDF format at http://ossim.hq.nasa.gov/jimo/JIMO_SDT_REPORT.pdf.

Thank you for your interest in the JIMO mission. We look forward to sharing the exciting discoveries and advancements that will come from this groundbreaking mission.



NASA Scientist

 

[ravenprp]

The report of the NASA Science Definition Team for the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific objectives for this exciting mission. The team, consisting of 38 scientists, was appointed by NASA to determine the best approach for exploring the Jupiter system, with a focus on Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. The team also sought input from the wider planetary community and worked closely with JIMO project engineers to ensure the mission's scientific requirements were feasible.

The JIMO mission was identified as a critical opportunity for understanding planetary evolution and the search for life's origins. This report outlines the guidelines and scientific foundations for the mission, including recommendations from previous studies by the National Research Council and NASA. Input from a community-wide meeting was also considered in the development of the report.

Overall, the report highlights the significant investment in time, intellect, and resources that the JIMO mission represents and emphasizes the need for a high scientific return. The report also identifies the key priorities and issues that the JIMO mission can address, providing a strong foundation for the mission's success. With this report, the NASA Science Definition Team has provided a valuable roadmap for the exploration of the Jupiter system and the search for life beyond Earth. The full report can be accessed online for further details.