Science Drivers for the Future Exploration of Ceres: From Solar System Evolution to Ocean World Science

Abstract Dawn revealed that Ceres is a compelling target whose exploration pertains to many science themes. large ice- and organic-rich body, potentially representative of the population objects brought water organics inner solar system, as well brine-rich body study can contribute ocean world science. The observations have led renewed focus on planetary brine physics chemistry based detection landforms built from brines or suspected be emplaced via effusion. Ceres’ relative proximity Earth direct access its surface evaporites evolved deep reservoir make this dwarf planet an appealing for follow-up exploration. Future exploration, described here, would address questions pertinent evolution worlds origin volatiles in system.