GOALS

    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, CxHy, 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.