Exploring Io: The UNAGI Lander's Mission to Jupiter's Volcanic Moon

Jupiter’s moon Io stands out as the most volcanically active body in our solar system, presenting both extraordinary scientific opportunities and formidable engineering challenges. A recent paper, showcased at the AIAA 2025 Regional Student Conference, delves into the design and feasibility of a lander capable of touching down on Io’s tumultuous surface. This innovative concept, known as the UNAGI Lander, is the brainchild of a talented team from Spartan Space Systems at San Jose State University. The UNAGI Lander is engineered to withstand Io’s extreme environment, characterized by intense volcanic activity, high radiation levels from Jupiter’s magnetosphere, and a surface blanketed with sulfur and silicate materials. The student team’s design addresses these challenges with advanced thermal protection systems, robust landing mechanisms, and state-of-the-art scientific instruments tailored for in-situ analysis. Key objectives of the UNAGI mission include mapping Io’s surface composition, monitoring volcanic eruptions, and collecting data on the moon’s unique geology. By deploying specialized sensors and cameras, the lander aims to provide unprecedented insights into Io’s dynamic landscape and contribute valuable data to our understanding of planetary volcanism. The paper not only outlines the technical specifications and mission architecture but also highlights the educational impact of student-led space exploration projects. The UNAGI Lander exemplifies how innovative thinking and collaborative engineering can push the boundaries of planetary science, paving the way for future missions to one of the solar system’s most intriguing worlds. Read the source »