Into the Darkness: Uncovering the Secrets of Proteus

Neptune, named after the Roman god of the sea, is home to 16 known moons, 14 of which are named after the various "lesser" sea gods and nymphs in mythology. Proteus is one of them. Named after the shape-shifting sea god of Greek mythology, Proteus is one of the most enigmatic moons in our solar system; shrouded in mystery due to its incredibly dark surface, which reflects only six percent of the sunlight that hits it, and its extremely irregular, box-like shape. My RPS-powered mission will send a space rover to Proteus, hoping to solve these mysteries by analyzing the moon's surface composition to see why it reflects such little sunlight, and seismic activity to better understand its internal structure and exotic shape. RPS (radioisotope power system) is critical to powering this mission due to the extreme environment of Proteus. Neptune is located nearly 3 billion miles from the Sun, rendering solar power useless and making Proteus both exceptionally far away and unbearably cold, in addition to its rough, heavily cratered terrain. RPS, using heat from the natural radioactive decay of plutonium-238, offers a reliable, long-term power source that operates independently of temperature or surface conditions. This technology will ensure that the rover and all its sensors and instruments can function continuously, even in the frigid temperatures and rugged terrain of Proteus. My unique power is my ability to think creatively and solve problems under pressure. Space exploration is filled with unexpected challenges, and I thrive in situations that require quick thinking and resourcefulness, Whether it's troubleshooting a technical issue or interpreting unexpected data, adaptability will be crucial for overcoming obstacles during the mission.