Pragmatic Maximization of Asymptotic Fly Out Speed for Near-Term Exploration of the Interstellar Medium

Near-term exploration of the interstellar medium in the region of 200-1000 AU is possible with existing technology, but remains programmatically challenging due to the long travel times, long periods of mission inactivity, and overall mission costs. We consider multiple trajectories that will provide a range of possible science returns, including the in situ measurements so needed from the interstellar medium itself. Flybys of the gas- or ice- giant planets, observations of our solar system disk and zodiacal light, a second reconnaissance of Pluto, flybys of newly discovered Kuiper Belt Objects, or a close-up of the putative super-Earth, "Planet X," all present compelling opportunities but require different departure trajectories, or aim points. Furthermore, an Interstellar Probe Mission departing the solar system at up to 20 AU/year will fly by objects in our solar system at many 10s of kilometers per second, several times faster than New Horizons' flyby of Pluto. We will present trajectories that address these different objectives, possible overlapping solutions, challenges to achieving different families of solutions, and ultimate asymptotic fly out speeds.