Aurora: Charting the Frontier of Interstellar Space

As the twin Voyager probes deplete the last of their power, they pioneer one last time, proving the scientific prospects of the uncharted interstellar space lying just outside the bounds of our Solar System. With their data, astronomers made new discoveries, standing witness to changes in how they view the very structure of our Solar System. Voyager’s work ought to be continued through a more specialized mission, a dedicated interstellar probe: Aurora—named after the auroras between solar winds and Earth’s atmosphere, like interactions between solar winds and interstellar space! Aurora will study and characterize the interstellar medium—its properties, contents, and interactions with our Solar System—to learn about the Solar System’s evolution and compare it with the universe. Building upon phenomena observed by Voyager, new findings will open more doors for research. Its specialized instruments, high speed, and vast distance will be backed by a plutonium-238 RTG! My mission will not only complement Voyager, but will advance astronomical knowledge expeditiously, and pioneer technology for a new age of dedicated interstellar travel. My unique power, is my ability to be inspired, drawing upon the legacies of past explorers and trailblazers to forge a journey for NASA, and all of humanity, through Aurora.