Global Aerospace Corporation (GAC) the next Symposium, NASA intends to introduce the concept of a new device for the study of the former ninth planet of the Solar system. The gravity of Pluto in 16 times less than the Earth pressure at the surface is many times smaller than the earth but the rarefied atmosphere thus extends very high, up to 1.5 thousand km above the planet. In this environment, the probe will be able to maneuver with minimal effort.
In a weak atmosphere of Pluto descending the object will not be able to heat up from the friction and it will be a long time to fall down. Therefore, the descent module looks like a ball with a diameter of 80 m, which is suspended from the platform with jump equipment and devices. While entering the atmosphere the velocity of the probe will be 48 000 km/h, but in the end it will fall almost to zero, and a soft landing is guaranteed.
Not so important, where to land the probe using a jet engine or release a portion of gas under pressure, he’s going to do long jumps over the planet’s surface. The accuracy leaves much to be desired, but a single module will be able to survey a large number of different parts of the Pluton. He won’t be back and won’t even be able to properly collect and examine soil samples, but performs the important task of mapping the planet’s surface and help to understand where to begin major study of Pluto.
Currently, the concept is only being calculated in the laboratories carried out the relevant tests. If NASA agrees, the study will move into orbit, using cheap CubeSat satellites. A prototype probe for Pluto can be created in a few years, and to organize a real mission will be possible by 2030.
Source — Global Aerospace Corporation