NASA planning orbiter mission to Pluto

The Southwest Research Institute, in collaboration with NASA, is exploring the feasibility and cost of a long-term Pluto Orbiter mission. The mission aims to send an unmanned spacecraft to study Pluto and two other Kuiper Belt objects over two years. The new spacecraft will feature a larger payload and more advanced instruments than the New Horizon probe. Although specific instruments are not detailed, the mission builds on the success of the New Horizon mission, which flew past Pluto and its moons, reaching the farthest object visited, Ultima Thule.

What is the primary goal of the proposed mission by the Southwest Research Institute and NASA?

• To investigate the rings of Saturn

• To send an unmanned spacecraft to study Pluto and Kuiper Belt objects

• To explore the surface of Venus

• To study the atmosphere of Mars

How long is the proposed mission to study Pluto and other Kuiper Belt objects expected to last?

• One year

• Five years

• Two years

• Ten years

What distinguishes the new spacecraft from the New Horizon space probe?

• It will only study Earth's moon

• It will be manned

• It will carry more advanced instruments

• It will have a smaller payload

Which mission did the Southwest Research Institute previously lead?

• Voyager 1

• Hubble Space Telescope

• New Horizon

• Mars Rover

What was the farthest object visited by the New Horizon mission?

• Ultima Thule

• Jupiter

• Mars

• Pluto