Interstellar Probe (spacecraft)

Interstellar Probe (ISP) is a proposed NASA space probe made to explore the heliosphere and interstellar space.^[1] Its launch is planned for 2036.^[2]

An artist's view of the Interstellar Probe (ISP)

According to NASA, the probe will encounter Jupiter after six to seven months. After this the probe will go at a speed of about 6-7 astronomical units, leaving the heliosphere after 16 years.

The mission's main goal is to study the heliosphere. The probe might also encounter dwarf planets like Orcus and Quaoar during its journey, but these encounters would require specific launch dates.

The mission would be made to last for over 50 years, like the Voyager 1 and 2 probes.^[2] The mission has been called "Voyager on steroids".^[3]

The mission's major goal is to study the heliosphere^[1]; the probe may also have encounters with dwarf planets.

The mission

The launch would be in 2036 using a Space Launch System in its Block 2 version, featuring an additional booster. This launch would put the probe on a direct trajectory to Jupiter.

There have been more trajectory options, including encounters with Saturn, Uranus, or Neptune and dwarf planets.

Related pages

• New Horizons, a Pluto flyby mission by NASA
• Voyager 1, a space probe launched by NASA to interstellar space