Mission Objectives

Abstract

A human mission to Callisto will represent the most risky and ambitious space mission ever conceived. The complexities of such an endeavor are compounded by linking it to an overall exploration program, with the aim of enabling a sustained presence on the icy surface. However, a manned interplanetary mission will be a venture confirming the ability of humans to take a significant step into the Solar System and, while it may be a small step on a cosmic scale, such an expedition will represent a milestone in manned spaceflight because it will require leaving Earth with an extremely limited return capability and very few abort options.