"Exploring Neptune's Orbit: The Potential of its Largest Moon"

Planetary scientists have long been interested in sending a spacecraft to orbit Neptune, but the extreme distance and lack of fuel make it infeasible with current technologies. However, researchers have proposed a radical new idea: using the thin atmosphere of Neptune's largest moon, Triton, to capture a spacecraft. By employing an aeroshell similar to the one used in a recent NASA test, the researchers believe that the atmosphere of Triton could sufficiently slow a spacecraft and allow it to enter into a captured orbit around Neptune. This approach could significantly reduce the mission duration and provide an up-close view of Triton, delivering valuable scientific insights.