Technology needs of planetary missions of the 21st century

This paper presents the findings of a series of planetary mission studies supporting development and update of NASA´s Space Science Enterprise Strategic Plan. The studies evaluate feasibility, science return, cost, and benefits of advanced technology for missions that are candidates for inclusion in the strategic plan. Emphasis (to date) has been on nine target missions identified in the plan for launch after 2004. Mission concepts have been defined for each target, and the enabling and enhancing technologies developments have been identified. It was found that the current trend toward miniaturization of avionics will benefit all missions. Several missions were found to be enabled or strongly enhanced by advances in low thrust propulsion, either solar electric or solar sail. Another critical area is in-situ technologies, including precision approach; landing; surface mobility; sample collection, analyses and packaging; and sample return to Earth