Design of a low cost mission to the Neptunian system

Aug 1, 2014·
Nicolas Fougere
Nicolas Fougere
,
Alibay et al
· 0 min read
Image credit: Alibay et al.
Abstract
Visited only by Voyager 2 in 1989, Neptune and its moon Triton hold important clues to the formation and evolution of the solar system and exoplanetary systems. Neptune-sized planets are the most commonly discovered exoplanets to date. Neptune, an ice giant, is theorized to have migrated from its formation location in the early solar system. This migration affects the expected interior structure, composition, and dynamical evolution of the planet. Triton is conjectured to be a heavily-processed, captured Kuiper Belt Object (KBO), a remnant from the early solar nebula and unique in our solar system. Triton may possess a subsurface aqueous ocean, making it an important astrobiological target. The 2013–2022 Planetary Science Decadal Survey identified a number of high priority science goals for the Neptunian system, including understanding the structure, composition, and dynamics of Neptune’s atmosphere and magnetosphere, as well as surveying the surface of Triton. Following these guidelines, we present a low cost flyby mission concept to Neptune and Triton called TRIDENT (Taking Remote and In-situ Data to Explore Neptune and Triton). TRIDENT would carry six instruments and a government furnished atmospheric probe and would provide significant improvements over the scientific measurements undertaken by Voyager 2.
Type
Publication
IEEE Aerospace Conference
Status
Peer-reviewed
publications
Mission Design NASA Neptune System
Nicolas Fougere
Authors
Nicolas Fougere (he/him)
Senior Portfolio Manager

Nicolas Fougere is a technology leader with experience helping global industrial organizations accelerate innovation through digital engineering and transformation. As a Senior Portfolio Manager at Dassault Systèmes, he works with manufacturers and technology leaders to develop strategies around virtual twins, simulation, systems engineering, and AI.

Before joining the private sector, Nicolas contributed to scientific research supporting NASA and the European Space Agency’s Rosetta mission and authored numerous peer-reviewed publications. He holds advanced engineering and scientific degrees from the University of Michigan.

Nicolas is passionate about connecting technology, business strategy, and customer success to help organizations solve complex challenges, build high-performing teams, and create lasting business value.