For more information about this mission,
click on the figure.
Technology Requirements
- Advanced propulsion and non-solar
power source (if not
RTGs)*
- Lightweight, optimized instruments;
lightweight, low-cost
spacecraft**
*Mission enabling
**Mission enhancing
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Science Objectives
- Determine the nature of the interstellar medium and its
implications for the orgin and
evolution of matter in the galaxy
- Explore the structure of the heliosphere and its interaction with
the interstellar medium
- Study fundamental physical processes occurring in the
heliosphere and interstellar
medium
Mission Description
- Send a spacecraft to 200 AU in ~20 years, or less; in upwind
direction
- Potential methods: close Jupiter/Sun flybys; nuclear or RTG
electric propulsion; solar sail at ¾0.3 AU; solar thermal
Measurement Strategy
- Solar wind, energetic particles, interstellar medium (plasma,
field, neutrals)
- IR observations of interest to Origins program; cosmic rays to
Astrophysics; dust to
Planetary
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