The Case for Probe-Class NASA Astrophysics Missions

[摘要] Astrophysics spans an enormous range of questions on scales from individual planets to the entire cosmos. To address the richness of 21st century astrophysics requires a corresponding richness of telescopes spanning all bands and all messengers. Much scientific benefit comes from having the multi-wavelength capability available at the same time. Most of these bands, or measurement sensitivities, require space-based missions. Historically, NASA has addressed this need for breadth with a small number of flagship-class missions and a larger number of Explorer missions. While the Explorer program continues to flourish, there is a large gap between Explorers and strategic missions.

[发布日期] 2019-09-01

[学科分类] 天体物理学

[关键词] ASTROPHYSICS;COST EFFECTIVENESS;ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRA;EXPLORER SATELLITES;MISSION PLANNING;NASA PROGRAMS