perhaps my question was already answered somewhere or so, but was not able to find it:what does the gov. shutdown mean for the maven? will it launch? will the launch be postponed?
Since KSC is shutdown, there is no access to MAVEN for anybody to work on it.
Quote from: Jim on 10/01/2013 10:34 amSince KSC is shutdown, there is no access to MAVEN for anybody to work on it.Will processing continue on the LV?
Quote from: vapour_nudge on 10/01/2013 12:24 pmQuote from: Jim on 10/01/2013 10:34 amSince KSC is shutdown, there is no access to MAVEN for anybody to work on it.Will processing continue on the LV?They are independent of KSC and NASA support, so yes.
What happens to the Atlas if MAVEN misses its launch window. Is it put into storage or allocated to another payload?
Looks like MAVEN has been granted exemption status and will continue toward launch on Nov. 18 in spite of the Federal government shutdown. http://t.nbcnews.com/science/nasas-maven-mission-mars-back-track-after-shutdown-holdup-8C11332740
The visitor center said they might know about launch viewing tickets in late October. My daughter and I are coming from California for the launch + Disney. I think the MAVEN PI said they have a week or so of slack in the schedule, but anything can happen to delay the launch including weather. I think they had to replace a battery in the MSL Atlas V and that delayed the launch a day from the original target.