Europeans propose probing Uranus

[Numo]

Paul F. wrote:
I'm going to pass up the cheap jokes... too easy...

With a flight date of 2034, they'd be looking at an arrival between 2044 and 2050 - Uranus and Nepture are a LONG trip!

I'd say, step up the planning and building, and get them on their way sooner. But that's just me.

True, but sometimes science has to be done for future generations.

[NewtonMP2100]

make sure to warm up the probe.....first.....

[Paul F.]

Ammo wrote:
[quote=Paul F.]
I'm going to pass up the cheap jokes... too easy...

With a flight date of 2034, they'd be looking at an arrival between 2044 and 2050 - Uranus and Nepture are a LONG trip!

I'd say, step up the planning and building, and get them on their way sooner. But that's just me.

True, but sometimes science has to be done for future generations.
Yeah, but I've been hearing that for 43 years! I want it all NOW, dammit!
Pan-Am shuttles to a rotating Clarke station was supposed to be a long time ago now!
Let's get the lead out, put the cargo on top of a Falcon Heavy, and get it on it's damn way!

[Paul F.]

Will Collier wrote:
Wonder how much delta-V a Falcon Heavy would provide for an interplanetary probe. Yes, it'd also depend on the top stage booster, but still...

I keep wondering about an earth-orbit docking...
Two Falcon Heavy launches; one for the craft, one for the booster stage - automated docking, point, shoot.

But the Falcon Heavy by itself should be able to send a decent sized craft on it's way to the outer planets, since it's supposed to loft 46,700lbs to GTO.
We'll find out what it's actual capacity is when it flies... hopefully later this year. That might be a little optomistic though. Early next year is a better bet.

[NewtonMP2100]

for some reason, don't think they will be the first ones there......must have been some exploratory........uhm.....missions before.......

[ka jowct]

I will be so dead by then.

[Speedy]

ka jowct wrote:
I will be so dead by then.

Me, too, I hope.

[Rolando]

"Twin Probes for Uranus"?!?!?!