Planetary science decadal survey planetary mission concept study report: Ceres: Exploration of Ceres’ habitability
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Abstract
Dwarf planet Ceres is a compelling target as an evolved ocean world with, at least, regional brine reservoirs and potentially ongoing geological activity. As the most water-rich body in the inner solar system (in relative abundance), it is a representative of the population of planetesimals that brought volatiles and organics to the inner solar system. Situated in the Main Belt of asteroids, Ceres is accessible enough for a sample return with the resources of a typical medium-class (New Frontiers) NASA mission. Under the Discovery program, Dawn explored Ceres from 2015 to 2018. The extensive dataset revealed the presence of liquid, brine-driven activity, organic matter, and a rich salt chemistry. With this evidence, the overarching goals of the mission concept presented herein are to quantify Ceres’ current habitability potential and origin.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Federal Government Series |
| Title | Planetary science decadal survey planetary mission concept study report: Ceres: Exploration of Ceres’ habitability |
| Series title | Cooperator Report |
| Year Published | 2020 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | NASA |
| Contributing office(s) | Astrogeology Science Center |
| Description | 360 p. |
| Other Geospatial | Ceres |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |