| MISSION_OBJECTIVES_SUMMARY |
Planetary: Multiple, unique studies of distant KBO populations not yet well studied by New Horizons; unique, high-phase studies of several Kuiper belt dwarf planets; large-phase angle studies of the ice giants Uranus and Neptune with direct application to exo-ice giants as well as themselves; and otherwiseunobtainable measurements of in situ Kuiper belt dust density as a function ofheliocentric distance. Heliophysics: New outer heliosphere measurements not performed by Voyager or Pioneer of particle populations and processes that ultimately shape the various heliospheric boundaries; observations of dust and hydrogen gas in the outer solar system; and important collaborative synergies with other heliophysics missions ranging from the inner solar system to the ISM in the most widely spaced Heliophysics System Observatory to date. Astrophysics: Potentially paradigm-shifting astrophysical studies of the cosmic optical and ultraviolet backgrounds with unprecedented sensitivity owing to New Horizon's position beyond the zodiacal light; and unique UV observations of the local interstellar medium.
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