How unique is the Earth? Placing our planet and our Solar System in context of other stellar systems is a key driver in both astronomy and planetary science in the current age. Since in situ measurements on exoplanets are currently impossible to obtain, the HESTIA mission will target the closest alternative: interstellar objects, which originate from beyond our Solar System and pass through it only briefly as temporary visitors. These interstellar objects (ISOs) can provide unique insights in how planetary systems form, since they consist of pristine material originating from stellar systems beyond our own. HESTIA, or the Hyperbolic Earth-launched Spacecraft for Targeted Interstellar Approach, is a rapid-response mission able to perform a rendezvous approach with a future ISO. The mission will utilise remote sensing and a dedicated lander to maximise the scientific return. Onboard instruments are capable of performing infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and (thermal) imaging to study the ISO's possible prebiotic and geologic composition, including sub-surface measurements. To accomplish the rendezvous, the mission is designed to target high-velocity hyperbolic orbits capable of intercepting an ISO at large distances. Additionally, a dedicated high-temperature gas reactor is used to power the electric propulsion system capable of delivering extremely high delta-v. The HESTIA mission integrates this innovative high-quality design to perform a first-of-its-kind mission that studies an interstellar object with great detail, while building a platform that allows us to open up the doors to plenty other objects in our Solar System. ... Read more

Many interplanetary missions with the goal of finding extraterrestrial life have been conducted in the past and more are planned for the future. However, a key gap remains: no long-duration mission has yet explored the clouds of Venus, despite this environment being a promising location to search for signs of life. ... Read more

The NIBIRU mission, scheduled for launch in 2038, seeks to image and characterise Planet 9, a hypothesized planet beyond Neptune in the Kuiper Belt. The mission will travel farther than any human-made object and involves a close approach to the Sun, necessitating precise design and integration of all subsystems. This report details the mission's objectives, design processes, subsystem specifics, and risk assessments. Primary objectives include confirming Planet 9's existence and location, estimating its mass and radius, capturing detailed images, identifying surface and atmospheric features, detecting moons or rings, determining atmospheric composition, analysing oxygen isotope ratios, and identifying potential biosignatures. Secondary objectives involve characterizing planets used for gravity assists, studying Kuiper Belt objects, and analysing the boundaries of the heliosphere. A comprehensive trade-off analysis evaluated four mission concepts based on criteria like scientific objectives, risk, cost, communications, flexibility, and sustainability. Concept C1, featuring a spacecraft that will perform in-situ measurements and communicate directly with Earth, was selected for its high performance and feasibility. Subsystem designs were meticulously developed. The payload includes instruments such as the N'LORRI imager, ISHTAR imaging spectrometer, NCREX cosmic ray telescope, and PSP particle science package. The Electrical Power Subsystem (EPS) relies on two eMMRTGs and additional batteries for power. The Telecommunications subsystem features a large deployable antenna for long-distance communication. The Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) uses spin stabilization and thrusters for precise control, as well as star trackers and IMUs. The propulsion system is a liquid bipropellant system using nitrogen tetroxide and monomethylhydrazine. The Thermal Control System (TCS) combines multi-layer insulation and ceramic carbon tiles to manage extreme temperatures. Structural components use aluminium alloys for strength and durability. System integration ensured compliance with mission requirements, with a total spacecraft mass of 40,648 kg and mission cost of €M3441. Risk assessments identified and mitigated 114 risks, with detailed contingency plans in place. The mission's sustainable development strategy emphasizes the need to use reusable launchers, green energy, and sustainable off-the-shelf materials. The detailed design, manufacturing, testing, and integration phases are meticulously planned to ensure mission readiness for a 2038 launch, promising significant contributions to our understanding of the outer solar system. ... Read more