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Solar and Space Physics: A Science for a Technological Society
332
B
Instrumentation, Data Systems,
and Technology
SUMMARY
This appendix, drawn largely from the analysis of this decadal survey’s Innovations: Technology,
Instruments, and Data Systems Working Group, summarizes information provided to the survey committee
regarding areas where innovations would have a substantial impact in solar and space physics. The most
significant advances over the next decade and beyond are most likely to derive from new observational
techniques; from innovative approaches to access and to dissemination, maintenance, storage, and use of
data; and from more capable observational platforms.
INSTRUMENTATION DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
Progress toward meeting the scientific and technical challenges for solar and space physics over the
coming decade hinges on improved observational capabilities and novel instrumentation. During times of
diminished flight rates, the most promising instrumentation concepts must be brought to spaceflight readiness so that new instruments are selectable. Recent solar and space physics missions have typically flown
slightly modified versions of existing instrumentation, due to limited instrument development opportunities and to the risk-averse programmatic environment. Conversely, incremental development of selected
sensors has sometimes been carried out during implementation, thus increasing risk, cost, and schedule
vulnerability.
A primary reason for this is the scant and fragmented instrument development support in the heliophysics programs Supporting Research and Technology, Living With A Star, and Low Cost Access to Space. Often
in competition for limited resources, instrument development proposals are not funded because they cannot
promise immediate science closure, even though the developed technology would enable breakthrough
measurements in a strategic sense. Also, there is no effective program to pick up after basic development
and ensure technical readiness for a mission. Such development comes at a higher cost than can be currently supported. Disturbingly, the scarcity of resources for instrument development has led to a substantially
smaller and weaker instrument development cadre in the solar and space physics field than is adequate.
Solar and Space Physics: A Science for a Technological Society
332
B
Instrumentation, Data Systems,
and Technology
SUMMARY
This appendix, drawn largely from the analysis of this decadal survey’s Innovations: Technology,
Instruments, and Data Systems Working Group, summarizes information provided to the survey committee
regarding areas where innovations would have a substantial impact in solar and space physics. The most
significant advances over the next decade and beyond are most likely to derive from new observational
techniques; from innovative approaches to access and to dissemination, maintenance, storage, and use of
data; and from more capable observational platforms.
INSTRUMENTATION DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
Progress toward meeting the scientific and technical challenges for solar and space physics over the
coming decade hinges on improved observational capabilities and novel instrumentation. During times of
diminished flight rates, the most promising instrumentation concepts must be brought to spaceflight readiness so that new instruments are selectable. Recent solar and space physics missions have typically flown
slightly modified versions of existing instrumentation, due to limited instrument development opportunities and to the risk-averse programmatic environment. Conversely, incremental development of selected
sensors has sometimes been carried out during implementation, thus increasing risk, cost, and schedule
vulnerability.
A primary reason for this is the scant and fragmented instrument development support in the heliophysics programs Supporting Research and Technology, Living With A Star, and Low Cost Access to Space. Often
in competition for limited resources, instrument development proposals are not funded because they cannot
promise immediate science closure, even though the developed technology would enable breakthrough
measurements in a strategic sense. Also, there is no effective program to pick up after basic development
and ensure technical readiness for a mission. Such development comes at a higher cost than can be currently supported. Disturbingly, the scarcity of resources for instrument development has led to a substantially
smaller and weaker instrument development cadre in the solar and space physics field than is adequate.