Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Aerospace, Physics, and Space Sciences

First Advisor

Donald Platt

Second Advisor

Andrew Palmer

Third Advisor

Evan Smith

Abstract

The Solar System’s outer planets have many satellites, some of which are known to be the most likely places to find extraterrestrial life in our celestial backyard. Multiple scientific missions have been sent to glean information from these satellites, yet the possibility of a manned expedition has long been exclusive to science fiction stories. This paper intends to collect and analyze the current state of space travel technology to explore the feasibility of such a mission with modern technology and to discuss which future advancements should be the focal point for making such missions a reality. To begin, data on all four of the major outer planets and their satellites was considered, and three specific targets were chosen as the most scientifically interesting and realistically viable. The paper then delves into current missions that will provide more insight into these moons, as well as cutting edge technology from the following fields: propulsion, life support, radiation protection, structures, and power systems. Furthermore, it analyses which areas of technology are currently lacking that must be advanced before manned missions to a selected moon would be considered possible.

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