The Outer Planets Science Working Group prioritized the objectives of the Pluto-Kuiper Express. Category 1a objectives are deemed absolutely (positively) vital to the mission. Category 1b objectives are regarded as important, but not required. Objectives classified as Category 1c are secondary goals. Scientists hope these secondary goals will lead to more knowledge. Other objectives that are given even lower priority are grouped as Category 2 objectives.

Category 1a

1. Characterize the global geology and geomorphology of Pluto and Charon
2. Surface composition mapping
3. Characterize the neutral atmosphere and its escape rate

Category 1b

1. Surface and atmosphere time variablity
2. Stereo imaging
3. High resolution terminator mapping
4. Selected high resolution surface composition mapping
5. Characterize Pluto's ionosphere and solar wind interaction
6. Search for neutral species including H₇H₂, HCN, C_xH_y, and other hydrocarbons and nitriles in Pluto's upper atmosphere. Obtain isotopic discrimination where possible
7. Search for an atmosphere around Charon
8. Determine bolometric bond albedos
9. Surface temperature mapping

Category 1c

1. Characterize the energetic particle environment
2. Refinement of bulk properties (radii, masses, densities) and orbit
3. Magnetic field search
4. Additional satellite and ring searches

      The Pluto-Kuiper Express might be extended to include a flyby of the Kuiper Belt.

** Goals directly copied from Pluto Express Science homepage.