NASA's Ultraviolet Astrophysics Branch: the next decade

We review some of the mission concepts currently being considered by NASA's Astrophysics Division to carry out future observations in the 100 - 3000 angstroms region. Examples of possible future missions include UV & visible interferometric experiments, a next generation Space Telescope and lunar-based UV instrumentation. In order to match these science objectives of these future missions with new observational techniques, critical technology needs in the ultraviolet regime have been identified. Here we describe how NASA's Astrophysics Division Advanced Programs Branch is attempting to formulate an integrated technology plan called the 'Astrotech 21' program in order to provide the technology base for these astrophysics missions of the 21st century.