Why Don't We Build Standardized Space Probes?

Space exploration has come a long way since the early days of the Voyager probes. Today, we see a vast array of missions ranging from Cubesats to behemoth deep space explorers like the Parker Solar Probe. The question often arises: why don't we build standardized space probes? This article explores the complexities behind this age-old approach and highlights the intricate challenges involved.

The Standardized Approach of Deep Space Missions

The components of deep space missions are typically built around a standard “bus” or airframe. This bus serves as the main structure, with various instrumentation and systems hung from it. Power is supplied mainly via organic thermoelectric generators (OTs RTGs) and/or solar panels. While this approach ensures modular design, it allows for customization based on the mission's specific requirements. For example, the New Horizons mission and the Parker Solar Probe both use this model but are designed differently to suit their unique missions.

Customization Based on Mission Purpose

Each mission has specific objectives, which dictate the choice of instruments, power sources, and protective measures. Some missions require nuclear power sources, such as those destined for Jupiter and beyond, where the sun's radiance diminishes. In contrast, missions to the Sun or Mars can rely on solar cells for power generation.

The choice of instrumentation is also mission-specific. For instance, sensors for studying the Sun or Mars would differ significantly from those used for Kuiper Belt exploration. Additionally, the need for heat and cold protection systems varies greatly depending on the mission's distance from the sun. When traveling away from the sun, probes require heating systems, while those near the sun may need cooling systems, often necessitating both.

The Role of Technology Advancement

Tech has evolved significantly since earlier missions. Modern probes are far more advanced than their predecessors like the Voyager probes. For instance, the New Horizons mission benefited from highly sensitive and miniaturized instruments that could produce detailed data from Pluto. Today, we design more sensitive and compact sensors with less power consumption, but these technologies come at a premium cost.

These advanced instruments require specialized materials and manufacturing processes, adding significant costs to the already complex and expensive space craft.

The Challenges of Manufacturing

The production of space probes involves highly skilled engineers and scientists. The manufacturing process must be conducted in clean rooms, with strict adherence to standards to prevent even microscopic particles from damaging sensitive components. This meticulous process adds to the overall cost of the mission.

Moreover, launching a payload into space is prohibitively expensive. For every kilogram of payload, costs can range from $2,000 to over $10,000 for lower Earth orbit, increasing dramatically for deep space missions. Given these constraints, each probe is not just a 'one-size-fits-all' solution but a carefully tailored platform for its specific mission.

Decisions Based on Mission Objectives

The goal of a mission also influences the design of the probe. Spacecraft like New Horizons and the Parker Solar Probe are designed to optimize their resources based on their objectives. For example, New Horizons was optimized for distance and maneuverability, while the Parker Solar Probe was optimized for heat shielding and proximity to the sun.

Ultimately, the decision to build standardized or customized space probes is a multifaceted one. While standardization could streamline certain aspects of mission design and execution, it would come at the expense of the mission's unique requirements. Each probe is built to ensure the best possible outcome for its specific objective, making the current approach highly effective, despite the complexity and cost involved.