Exploring the Ice Giants

The ice giants, Uranus and Neptune, are two of the solar system’s largest planets, yet they’ve hardly been explored. The only spacecraft to visit them was Voyager 2 more than 30 years ago
A mission to Uranus was prioritized in a recent study by the National Academies. It would explore how Uranus formed, it's interior structure, and its atmosphere.
It will solve mysteries about its rings and moons, including if some have liquid water oceans beneath their surfaces. Five of Uranus’ largest moons show evidence of recent resurfacing, suggesting ongoing geologic activity. They may even have liquid water oceans under an ice shell, making them 'ocean worlds.'
Learn more about APL's research on ice giants: jhuapl.link/eho