an atmospheric probe will address a variety of scientific questions across all aspects of the Uranus system: Origin, interior, and atmosphere How does atmospheric circulation function, from interior to thermosphere, in an ice giant? What is the 3D atmospheric structure of the weather layer? When, where, and how did Uranus form, how did it evolve both thermally and spatially, including migration, and how did it acquire its retrograde obliquity? What is Uranus' bulk composition and its depth dependence? Does Uranus have discrete layers or a dilute core, and can this be tied to its formation and tilt? What is the true rotation rate of Uranus, does it rotate uniformly, and how deep are the winds? Magnetosphere What dynamo process produces Uranus' complex magnetic field? What are the plasma sources & dynamics of Uranus' magnetosphere and how does it interact with the solar wind, Uranus' upper atmosphere, and satellite surfaces? Satellites and rings What are the internal structures and rock-to-ice ratios of the large Uranian moons and which moons possess substantial internal heat sources or possible oceans? How do the compositions and properties of the Uranian moons constrain their formation and evolution? What geological history and processes do the surfaces record and how can they inform outer solar system impactor populations? What evidence of exogenic interactions do the surfaces display? What are the compositions, origins and history of the Uranian rings and inner small moons, and what processes sculpted them into their current configuration? Mission details The atmospheric probe element of this mission would study the vertical distribution of cloud-forming molecules, thermal stratification, and wind speed as a function of depth. The 2010 mission design envisioned a probe of , less than half that of the Galileo atmospheric probe. A later design study suggested results could be significantly enhanced by adding a second probe which could be as small as in mass and about in diameter. Orbiter instruments The orbiter is proposed to carry the following instruments in the baseline concept, with additional instruments possible should they prove to be within mass, power, and cost limitations: Atmospheric probe instruments The atmospheric probe is proposed to carry 4 scientific instruments as part of the baseline concept. See also Atmosphere of Uranus Exploration of Uranus Moons of Uranus Uranus mission proposals MUSE Oceanus (New Frontiers-class proposal of the 2010s) ODINUS Uranus Pathfinder (ESA M-Class proposal of the 2010s) References Missions to Uranus Proposed