NASA Sun-Earth connection program strategic mission and technology requirements (2006-2015)

Our variable star, the Sun, is the source of varying solar wind, electromagnetic radiation and electromagnetic particles that interact with the Planets and the Galaxy. The Sun-Earth Connection (SEC) Theme in the NASA Office of Space Science (OSS) has a strategic goal to understand our changing Sun and its effects on the Solar System, Life and Society. This paper describes the planned SEC strategic missions planned for the period 2006-2015 and their technology requirements. These missions range from individual spacecraft to clusters and constellations of micro-nano satellite missions utilizing both imaging and in-situ instrumentation. Enabling technologies include micro-nano satellite and instrumentation along with solar sail propulsion providing reduced flight times and unique nonkeplerian orbits to extend traditional vantage points. Enhancing technology requirements related to instruments and subsystems are described that will improve payload mass-fraction, improved performance and lower cost.