This talk provides an overview of the scientific discoveries that can be made through gravity experiments onboard interplanetary missions. One application of radio science to the field of planetary geodesy is the determination of the gravitational potential of planets and satellites, by means of precise Doppler tracking of an orbiter. Gravity science investigations can be used to study the complex interiors of gas giants, for a better understanding of the origin and formation of our Solar System. The Juno spacecraft entered a 53-day orbit around Jupiter on July 5, 2016. Doppler measurements carried out at periapsis (perijoves) are used to estimate the Jupiter gravity field and pole motion used to constrain models of the Jovian interior structure. The first two gravity perijoves already provided and interesting look into the deep interiors of the planet and its atmospheric dynamics. Cassini’s gravity measurements at the icy moons of Saturn have provided crucial information about the interior structure of the satellites, some of which are thought to harbor the right conditions for primordial life beyond our planet. The determination of the northern-southern asymmetry of Enceladus from gravity flybys led to the detection of a subsurface liquid water ocean at the south pole, which feeds the plumes through cracks in the ice shell.

Marzia Parisi is a member of the Planetary Radar and Radio Sciences Group at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She graduated in 2015 from the University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’ with a PhD in Aeronautical and Space Technology in the field of Radio Science. Her research interests include gravity science, planetary interiors and atmospheric radio occultations. During her career, she has worked on several interplanetary missions such as: NASA’s Cassini and Juno and ESA’s BepiColombo and JUICE.

Lunch will be provided.