HIPERION - high-resolution planetary explorer and remote imaging observer of natural uranian satellites

Abstract Identified as the planetary science top highest-priority objective for the next NASA decadal survey, the exploration of the Uranian planetary system requires advanced multispectral instrumentation to characterize the geomorphology and composition of its icy moons, Uranus’ rings and atmosphere. This paper presents the conceptual design and preliminary performance analysis of HIPERION - HIgh-resolution Planetary Explorer and Remote Imaging Observer of Natural Uranian satellites. This multispectral imager is a single-channel instrument operating across the 400–2400 nm VIS to SWIR spectral range. The optical design consists of an unobscured off-axis Three-Mirror Anastigmat (TMA) with a 200 mm clear aperture and an 1800 mm focal length (F/9). This work details the instrument architecture, optical design optimization and performance evaluation. Furthermore, it provides a preliminary set of 22 filters, radiometric model and tolerance analysis, demonstrating that HIPERION is a suitable and flexible solution for the exploration of the Uranian system, applicable to other icy worlds in the outer Solar System.