posted 02-14-2008 09:39 AM               

In order to extend analyses of the scientific objectives, system design, and operations of potential future space science missions, and to identify precursor technology requirements, NASA has funded studies for a variety of advanced missions -- the Space Science Vision Missions. The investigator teams have completed their formal final reports for these studies. The teams were invited to develop shorter, summary versions of these final Vision Mission reports suitable for a broader audience. This book, published in partnership with NASA, is the culmination of that effort. Each of the reports sketches out a revolutionary mission concept, providing information on its science rationale, architecture and implementation approach, technology challenges, and deployment and operations. A final chapter describes an analysis of directions for future technology development inspired by this portfolio of mission concepts.