A Journey in the Shadows : Shedding Light on Uranus' Darkest Moon

For NASA’s next mission using Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS), I’ve chosen to explore Umbriel, the darkest of Uranus’ moons. Reflecting only 16% of the sunlight that strikes its surface, Umbriel is similar to Earth's moon—which reflects around 12%—suggesting that studying Umbriel could provide valuable insights into the processes that shaped both moons. Understanding how they evolved with such low albedos could teach us more about the early solar system, the formation of icy bodies, and the forces that influenced their surfaces over time. My mission’s goal is to conduct an orbital study of Umbriel, investigating its geological past, focusing on its impact craters, canyons, and potential subsurface oceans, to better understand the forces that have shaped both this moon and our own. RPS will be crucial for powering our instruments, as Umbriel’s distant location from the Sun makes solar energy ineffective. The reliable, long-duration energy provided by RPS—which converts heat from the natural decay of plutonium into electricity—will ensure that our mission can continue uninterrupted, even through the harshest conditions. By enabling us to collect and transmit data over long periods, RPS will play a pivotal role in investigating whether Umbriel could potentially support microbial life or be a candidate for future exploration. Growing up in the theater, I’ve spent my entire life in front of an audience. When performing on stage, there is no room for mistakes. As a result, I learned how to stay calm and think quickly, even in high-stress situations. My power of improvisation will be invaluable as we adapt to unforeseen challenges, ensuring we achieve our goals and make groundbreaking discoveries on Umbriel.