NASA are hoping to explore Uranus.
NASA are hoping to probe Uranus
Experts claim that a trip to the icy planet should be the space agency's main focus for the next decade, with a launch scheduled for the early 2030s.
However, it will take between 12 and 15 years to travel the two billion-mile journey to the planet.
Dr. Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Science Division, said it was "fantastic" that a visit to Uranus has been identified as a high priority.
She said: "I think it's fantastic now that we have very clear guidance from the decadal survey on the highest priority next flagship, and the fact that they've specifically identified Uranus as the ice giant to visit."
Dr. Glaze revealed that studies into probing Uranus are likely to begin in 2024.
She said: "We are working towards initiating... some studies of a Uranus orbiter probe mission no later than fiscal year 2024. We will explore a range of complexity and cost options as part of those studies."