Pushing the limits of solar system exploration.

The article shows the struggle of scientists and engineers at the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) when it comes to spacecraft design as they address constraints in solar system exploration. Information is provided on the Small, Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration (SIMPLEx) program. It discusses considerations in spacecraft design including instrument payload, miniaturization, high-resolution images, mass of telecommunication subsystem, and temperature.