What if: Planetary Resources and planetary science missions; EML2

[Robert Thompson]

First, assume the Arkyd sequence is successful and PR turns a profit selling prop ~20 years from now. At that time they offer an inexpensive chassis in a few sizes for interplanetary science. Small batch or a few a year. The chassis is stacked with the user's choice of instruments, supplied on time from competing vendors. Users with grants can install their own instrument.

Universities (this is a what-if, please) become able to perform their own minimal missions to the outer bodies. Multi partner groups can field missions more capable and cheaper than today's.

What are some good ideas for planetary science missions? Venus high altitude balloon? Titan high altitude balloon? Mars airplane? Titan airplane? Europa submarine? Titan lake floater? Looking for a brainstorm.


Second, assume that lunar propellant at EML2 is competitive with Earth propellant. Planetary science missions can ($$) be 'very' capable, which is to say, not only denser in instrumentation, longer duration power sources, greater complement of propellant, larger bandwidth, etc, but also massive due to tag-along landers, flyers, hoppers, and sample return missions, etc.

Could these unmanned science missions benefit from lunar propellant at EML2? Or is it largely sensible that single launch from Earth is the best method for getting the science done.

Thanks for any sculpting.