THE IMPORTANCE OF TECHNOLOGY ROADMAPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE IN SPACE EXPLORATION

Technology roadmaps are a powerful strategic tool, so as to meet the top priorities in future Space Exploration missions, in particular regarding the achievement of the required maturation of enabling technologies. However, updating such roadmaps could become an overwhelming task, due the continuous evolution of technologies and new mission concepts. To make these roadmaps as effective as possible, we propose a methodology that could help choose the best paths to develop, test, validate and employ a specific technology. In addition, this methodology is able to rank the proposed missions, thus determining priorities in technology procurement, optimizing the results.