Trends in instrument systems for deep space exploration

Instrument systems for deep space exploration have undergone dramatic changes in the last few years. They are smaller, lighter and less power hungry. The line between science instruments and spacecraft sensors is blurring. New vehicles, missions, goals, environments and types of instruments are changing the design of instrument suites. Finally, integrated instrument suites are becoming more common. Using Cassini spacecraft instruments as a benchmark, instrument suites on the DS-1 and DS-2 spacecraft are discussed along with designs for MECA, MER and the Subsurface Explorer, in the context of these trends.