A workshop focused on advancing the exploration of the outer solar system was held from May 21 to 23, 2024, at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Co-led by representatives from Goddard and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, the Uranus Flagship Workshop gathered an international group of scientists and early career professionals to discuss actionable strategies for future missions.
The primary objective of the workshop was to address the community’s enthusiasm for a mission to Uranus while providing clarity on potential pathways for its development. Previous gatherings had indicated a strong desire among participants to initiate such a mission, yet there was a notable lack of focus regarding the practicalities and starting points. As a result, this workshop aimed to establish a more structured approach to mission planning, emphasizing the incorporation of new paradigms that could facilitate robust exploration of outer planets.
Participants were introduced to best practices and insights gleaned from past missions and NASA-commissioned studies. Discussions revolved around the unique challenges posed by launching a mission to a planet so distant from the Earth and the Sun. The workshop sought to guide participants in developing a more pragmatic mission design that would streamline the planning and execution of this and future missions.
Special attention was given to the inclusion of early career scientists, reflecting a commitment to fostering new talent within the field. The Local Organizing Committee, largely composed of early career professionals from APL and Goddard, played a significant role in facilitating discussions and ensuring diverse perspectives were represented.
Prominent figures such as Amy Simon, Louise Prockter, Ian Cohen, Kathleen Mandt, and Lynnae Quick contributed their expertise, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the workshop. Their involvement highlights the community’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of scientists while tackling the complexities of deep-space exploration.
The workshop concluded with a clear directive for participants: to establish a mission framework that sets realistic expectations early in the development process. By doing so, the community can work towards a more efficient timeline for not only the Uranus mission but also other potential planetary endeavors.
For further details, participants and interested parties can refer to the white paper summary, available on arXiv under the identifier arXiv:2508.21074. This document encapsulates the discussions and insights shared during the workshop, offering a comprehensive overview of the proposed pathways for Uranus exploration.
The workshop represents a significant step towards realizing the ambitious goal of sending a flagship mission to Uranus, a project that promises to deepen our understanding of the outer solar system and its many mysteries.
