Petition · Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Encourage the ESA to study Sedna as a potential mission target

Open for signatures 18 signatures

What the petition asks

We are asking the UK Government to encourage the European Space Agency to study Sedna as a potential target for a future deep space mission. Sedna is one of the most distant known objects in our Solar System, and studying it during its perihelion (2076) could provide valuable information.
Sedna’s extreme distance means it has been only briefly observable from Earth, making this perihelion window scientifically valuable. A mission study could assess trajectory options, power systems, and long-duration communication for deep space exploration beyond the Kuiper Belt. Early planning now would ensure any feasible mission design is not missed during this rare orbital opportunity, which is a once in 11,000 years event.

Timeline

30 Jun 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 18
Status Open for signatures
Department Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Opened 30 Jun 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.