Interstellar Probe: a mission through the heliosphere edge into the local interstellar space

Session ID#: 120677

Session Description:
Interstellar Probe is a mission through the heliosphere edge to the local interstellar medium(LISM). It enables the dedicated exploration of the heliospheric boundary, imaging the vast heliosphere, and sampling the unknown LISM for the first time. The mission addresses unanswered questions raised by Voyager, IBEX, and Cassini. Kuiper Belt and dust disk observations extend the mission beyond heliophysics, providing new insight into planetary system evolution. Infrared measurements beyond 10s AU uncover light from early galaxies. Interstellar Probe pragmatic concept study is completing its final year. It is focused on using currently available technologies to develop a mission that can launch by 2030. The Probe will travel up to at least 400 AU with a 50 year lifetime. We invite presentations on open questions about the outer heliosphere and LISM; unique observations and instrument solutions across heliophysics, planetary science, and astrophysics enabled by the Probe; mission design, longevity and programmatic aspects.
Index Terms:

2104 Cosmic rays [INTERPLANETARY PHYSICS]
2124 Heliopause and solar wind termination [INTERPLANETARY PHYSICS]
2126 Heliosphere/interstellar medium interactions [INTERPLANETARY PHYSICS]
2144 Interstellar gas [INTERPLANETARY PHYSICS]


Primary Convener:  Elena Provornikova, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD, United States
Conveners:  Parisa Mostafavi, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD, United States, Benjamin L Alterman, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, MI, United States and Justyna Sokol, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, United States
Primary Liaison:  Justyna Sokol, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, United States