Microspacecraft technology for planetary science missions

Abstract

A summary is presented of the technology that may enable a microspacecraft, whose mass is on the order of 10 kg, to perform smaller, faster, and more frequent planetary science missions. Some of JPL's activities in microspacecraft are discussed including the benefits of microspacecraft technology to a Mars Rover sample return mission and the conceptual design of a microspacecraft to examine near earth asteroids. Major technology items allowing the decrease in system mass include lightweight carbon-carbon and other composite structural materials and microsensors and instruments.