Session
Session VI: Advanced Technology 3-Enterprise
Location
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Abstract
The OPENS (Outer Planet Exploration by Novel Small spacecraft) program, proposed by JAXA's Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), aims to revolutionize outer planet exploration through the use of small, low-cost spacecraft. Unlike traditional flagship-class missions, OPENS promotes high-frequency, high-risk, high-return missions that can be achieved even by countries with limited resources. The program’s first mission, OPENS-0, targets the demonstration of key technologies necessary for future small outer planet explorers, including solar-powered spacecraft operations and long-term hibernation capability. The spacecraft will be launched by JAXA’s Epsilon S rocket and perform gravity assists en route to Saturn, with the earliest launch window expected in November 2028. If successful, OPENS-0 will become the first solar-powered spacecraft to reach Saturn, performing scientific observations during cruise and at Saturn’s ring system. This mission marks a significant step toward independent and sustainable exploration of the outer solar system using compact and affordable spacecraft.
Document Type
Event
Outer Planet Exploration by Novel and Small Spacecraft: JAXA’s OPENS Program Concept and Its First Mission OPENS-0
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
The OPENS (Outer Planet Exploration by Novel Small spacecraft) program, proposed by JAXA's Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), aims to revolutionize outer planet exploration through the use of small, low-cost spacecraft. Unlike traditional flagship-class missions, OPENS promotes high-frequency, high-risk, high-return missions that can be achieved even by countries with limited resources. The program’s first mission, OPENS-0, targets the demonstration of key technologies necessary for future small outer planet explorers, including solar-powered spacecraft operations and long-term hibernation capability. The spacecraft will be launched by JAXA’s Epsilon S rocket and perform gravity assists en route to Saturn, with the earliest launch window expected in November 2028. If successful, OPENS-0 will become the first solar-powered spacecraft to reach Saturn, performing scientific observations during cruise and at Saturn’s ring system. This mission marks a significant step toward independent and sustainable exploration of the outer solar system using compact and affordable spacecraft.
