Microchannel plates (MCPs) are currently the preferred sensor element for the detection of low-energy (similar to 0-30 keV) electrons and ions in space plasma instruments, and are the base line technology for several proposed space missions. With a number of such missions currently in operation such as Cluster, Cassini, Double Star, and Mars Express using MCPs, there is a large volume of performance data, both from ground tests as well as in flight. From these experiences, it is clear that the current state of the art limits instrument performance significantly, in particular, in two areas; at high rates and the instrument lifetime. The requirements for several future missions are a lot more demanding and the push towards miniaturized and fast instruments, possibly requiring imaging at very high rates, and missions to extreme environments, presents a formidable challenge for the detector technology required. This article discusses details of the high rate performance of some of the plasma instruments, requirements of the future missions, and some of the solutions that are under study. The technology leap provided by recent advancements in microfabrication and nanofabrication techniques presents several opportunities for exploiting them to address these requirements with certain approaches. The challenges such devices face are discussed. (c) 2006 American Vacuum Society.