A Dual Outer Planet Missions to Uranus and Neptune Launched With A Single SLS

This paper describes an intriguing mission that is made possible with the newly developed NASA Space Launch System (SLS). The SLS flew successfully in 2022, and its capabilities will open up new opportunities for outer-planet exploration. With a single launch, the SLS can inject two Flagship class spacecraft on trajectories that terminate in orbit, one at Uranus 16 years after launch and the other at Neptune 18 years after launch. Shorter mission durations are possible with smaller spacecraft. Alternate methods to accomplish the mission are suggested and the chosen approach, which employs Earth and Jupiter gravity assists, is described in detail. Potential hazards that might be encountered during close approaches of Earth and Jupiter are assessed. A proposed spacecraft configuration in the SLS fairing is shown and a preliminary payload mass statement is provided.