  Self-replicating probes are spacecraft with the capacity to create copies of
themselves. Self-replication would potentially allow for an exponential
increase in the number of probes and thereby drastically improve the efficiency
of space exploration. Despite this potential, an integrated assessment of
self-replicating space probes has not been presented since the 1980s, and it is
still unclear how far they are feasible. In this paper, we propose a concept
for a partially self-replicating probe for space exploration based on current
and near-term technologies, with a focus on small spacecraft. The purpose is to
chart a path towards self-replication with near-term benefits, rather than
attempting full self-replication. For this reason, components such as
microchips and other microelectronic components are brought with the initial
probe and are not replicated. We estimate that such a probe would be capable of
replicating 70% of its mass. To further increase this percentage, we identify
technology gaps that are promising to address. We conclude that small-scale,
partially self-replicating probes are feasible near-term. Their benefits would
play out in exploration missions requiring roughly more than a dozen of probes.
