Pluto express: Advanced technologies enable lower cost missions to the outer Solar System and beyond

Missions to Pluto and the outer Solar System are typically driven by factors which tend to increase cost, such as: long life, high radiation exposure, a large power source, high ΔV requirements, difficult telecommunications links, low solar illumination at the destination, and demanding science measurements. Advanced technology is a central part of responding to such challenges in a manner which permits the cost of development and operations to be an order of magnitude less than for prior outer planet missions. Managing the process of technology planning and advanced development versus the associated cost and mission risk is a formidable challenge. Outer Solar System/Europa/Pluto/Solar Probe development activities are leveraging the latest products from the industry, government lab and academia technology pipeline in the areas of software, low power integrated microelectronics, low mass, high efficiency radioisotope power if used, and telecommunications. This paper summarizes the current technology develo...