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Uncwilly · 2012-12-27, 02:28

For all of you space buffs and fans, it is time to vent!

What is the most overlooked mission that you think should happen now?
What is a mission that you think should be given priority?
What mission would fill in some vital piece of knowledge or provide a new window of insight or explore new territory?

The rules:

It must be an unmanned mission.
It must not be directly overlap any current or currently planned mission. This includes ESA (and all other European space agencies), NASA, RSA, B612, JAXA, and all other national agencies.
You have ~$1billion to work with.
No breakthrough tech allowed.
Must launch within 7 years and flight time to destination must be under 10 years. Primary Mission time is open, but must be covered by the funding.
Launch vehicles must be near term available (no SLS, but Falcon Heavy is ok), max of 2 launches, and the cost of the launches are part of the $1B. (Assume that the launched craft can auto-dock if needed).
A nominal amount of Deep Space Network support is available for a token charge.

Surprise us. Be creative.

2012-12-27, 02:28	#1
Uncwilly 6809 > 6502 """"""""""""""""""" Aug 2003 101×103 Posts 3²·7·167 Posts	What "weed need" is a space mission! For all of you space buffs and fans, it is time to vent! What is the most overlooked mission that you think should happen now? What is a mission that you think should be given priority? What mission would fill in some vital piece of knowledge or provide a new window of insight or explore new territory? The rules: It must be an unmanned mission. It must not be directly overlap any current or currently planned mission. This includes ESA (and all other European space agencies), NASA, RSA, B612, JAXA, and all other national agencies. You have ~$1billion to work with. No breakthrough tech allowed. Must launch within 7 years and flight time to destination must be under 10 years. Primary Mission time is open, but must be covered by the funding. Launch vehicles must be near term available (no SLS, but Falcon Heavy is ok), max of 2 launches, and the cost of the launches are part of the $1B. (Assume that the launched craft can auto-dock if needed). A nominal amount of Deep Space Network support is available for a token charge. Surprise us. Be creative.