Pluto Fast Flyby
The Pluto / Kuiper Express
is a robotic reconnaissance mission to the Pluto-Charon system. If the
encounter is successful, then the mission may be extended to encounter
one or more Kuiper belt objects. The mission is
planned to be 2 spacecraft. The main science objectives are to (1) characterize
the global geology and geomorphology of Pluto and Charon; (2) map the
composition of Pluto's surface and (3) determine the composition
and structure of Pluto's atmosphere. More information may be found
here.
Mission Timeline
- FY98 - Preproject funding
- 2002, 2004 - Possible launch
- 2010 - Pluto-Charon Encounter
IRTF Mission Support
- 1-5 micron spectroscopy with SPEX and monitoring the decay of Pluto's
atmosphere as it moves away from perihelion
Click here to return to the NASA / IRTF
Mission support homepage.
Last modified: Mar 28, 1998