(Not exhaustive by any means) (Most of this changes of course based upon where the mission goes) General Constraints: Money ($500mil? $1bil? More?) Time (5 years? 10 years? More?) Technology (COTS? Mil? FC?) People (International? USA only? Government? Industry?) Will/Politics (Across administrations? Pet project?) Distance (Inner planets? Outer planets? Deeper?) Mission Types: Robotics: Landing method? (Parachute, rockets, airbags, liquid landing) Power source? (Solar, RTG, Nuclear) Rover (Size? Wheels? Arms?) Lander (Non-movable) Orbiter Return Mission (How does payload return?) Instruments: How many? What type? Power consumption? Memory allocation? CPU resources? Radiation enviroment? New designs? Manned: Crew Size Mission length One way Return Timeframe Orbiter? Lander? Rover? Permanent base? Launch from LEO? Moon? Life support Consumables? Power? Getting there: Rockets Single? Multiple? Assemble in space? Gravity Assist Exotic Technology / Demostration? Solar Sail? Ion Engine? Prometheus? Communications: Custom network NASA network Frequency? (Microwave, laser) Science Support: Ground based observations? Before? During? After?