# Laplace-P

> proposed orbiter and lander by the Russian Federal Space Agency designed to study the Jovian moon system and land on Ganymede

**Wikidata**: [Q4254263](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4254263)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laplace-P)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/laplace-p

## Summary
Laplace-P is a proposed space mission concept by the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) designed to explore the Jovian moon system. It is distinguished by its dual spacecraft configuration, consisting of both an orbiter and a lander, with the specific objective of landing on the surface of Ganymede.

## Key Facts
- **Designed By:** Roscosmos State Corporation (Russian Federal Space Agency).
- **Mission Type:** Proposed spacecraft concept consisting of an orbiter and a lander.
- **Primary Target:** Ganymede (within the Jovian moon system).
- **Instance Of:** Orbiter and Lander.
- **Also Known As:** Europa Lander, Лаплас - Европа П, Сокол-Лаплас, 유로파 착륙선.
- **Objective:** To study the Jovian moon system and execute a landing on Ganymede.
- **Status:** Proposed entity.

## FAQs
### Q: What are the main components of the Laplace-P mission?
A: The mission proposal includes two distinct spacecraft components: an orbiter designed to circle a celestial body and a lander designed to descend and rest on the surface.

### Q: Which celestial body is the primary target for the Laplace-P lander?
A: While the mission is designed to study the broader Jovian moon system, the lander component is specifically targeted to land on Ganymede.

### Q: Is Laplace-P an active or ongoing space mission?
A: No, Laplace-P is currently classified as a "proposed entity" designed by the Russian Federal Space Agency, rather than an active or launched mission.

## Why It Matters
Laplace-P represents a significant conceptual stride in planetary science proposals, particularly within the Russian space program's roadmap for deep space exploration. By combining an orbiter with a lander, the mission architecture addresses the complex logistical requirements of studying Jupiter's moons, which are of high scientific interest due to their potential for hosting subsurface oceans.

The mission is notable for its specific focus on Ganymede, the largest moon in the solar system. A successful landing on Ganymede would allow for in-situ analysis of the moon's composition and environment, providing data that orbiters alone cannot capture. The existence of multiple aliases, such as "Europa Lander" and "Sokol-Laplas," indicates the project's evolution or consideration within various strategic frameworks, potentially linking it to broader international discussions regarding the exploration of icy moons. Although currently a proposal, Laplace-P highlights the strategic priorities of Roscosmos in advancing robotic exploration of the outer solar system.

## Notable For
- **Dual Spacecraft Configuration:** Distinguished by comprising both an orbiter and a lander in a single proposed mission concept.
- **Ganymede Surface Access:** Specifically designed to achieve a soft landing on Ganymede, a primary target for astrobiological and geological study.
- **Roscosmos Deep Space Ambitions:** Represents a major proposal by the Russian Federal Space Agency for exploring the outer solar system.
- **Nomenclature Complexity:** Known by several aliases, including "Europa Lander" and "Сокол-Лаплас" (Sokol-Laplace), reflecting its development history or variant configurations.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Laplace-P is a space mission proposal developed by the Roscosmos State Corporation. The project envisions a comprehensive exploration strategy for the Jovian system, utilizing a combination of remote sensing and surface interaction. The "P" in the name designates this specific configuration within a broader class of potential missions.

### Spacecraft Design and Classification
The proposal is classified as an "orbiter" and "lander." According to technical definitions applied to the entity:
*   **Orbiter:** A spacecraft designed to orbit Jupiter or its moons.
*   **Lander:** A spacecraft engineered to descend toward and come to rest on the surface of an astronomical body, specifically Ganymede in this instance.

### Strategic Objectives
The primary directive of Laplace-P is the study of the Jovian moon system. The mission is explicitly designed to land on Ganymede, facilitating direct surface examination.

### Alternate Designations
The project is associated with multiple names and identifiers across different languages and databases, indicating its presence in international aerospace discourse. Recorded aliases include:
*   Europa Lander
*   Лаплас - Европа П
*   Сокол-Лаплас
*   유로파 착륙선

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013