Cosmic ray studies with an interstellar probe

Among the NASA mission concepts that have been suggested for the 21st century is an Interstellar Probe that might be accelerated to a velocity of ∼10 to 20 AU/yr, allowing it to leave the heliosphere, ultimately reaching a radial distance of ∼500 to 1000 AU in ∼50 years. We discuss briefly previous studies of such a mission, and its potential significance for cosmic ray studies, both within the heliosphere, and beyond, in interstellar space