Technology thrust areas for mass constrained spacecraft

This paper discusses a study that identifies technology thrust areas that could yield significant mass reductions for future spacecraft programs. The work involved analyzing past Jet Propulsion Laboratory interplanetary spacecraft mass data to determine how spacecraft mass is distributed by technology area. It was discovered that over a 22-yr period an almost constant 64 percent of the total spacecraft dry mass is concentrated in the two technology areas of structure and packaged electronics. Also discussed are the methods for achieving significant mass reductions through advances in materials, integration, design, and miniaturization of electronics.