simonbp - 16/4/2008 7:59 PMBasically what happened is that NASA and ESA both decided around the same time last year that they wanted to do a big new outer planets mission, and then got sticker shock when the proposals came it. So, they decided to team up an split the cost (JAXA would also potentially be involved). From what I've heard (which isn't much), the Saturn mission is probably favoured, as the lower radiation allows for the system orbiter to last longer, while a small Titan (nuclear) hot-air balloon can be done properly for much less than a Europa radar mapper...
HarryM - 19/4/2008 10:31 AMHave they developed/demonstrated a method for getting through Europa's ice crust? W/O that being developed and tested (maybe at Lake Vostock or someplace similar) seems like Titan would be easier. We have landed there already, after all.
Jim - 19/4/2008 7:44 PM1) mission ops and launch vehiclesEdit:2) also don't forget EOS missions
gospacex - 19/4/2008 12:29 PMA balloon on Titan with nuclear power source? Wow. If this thing manages to survive for a few months, imagine the amount of photos it can send back! I like it.
Jim - 19/4/2008 12:53 PMcurrent mission operations are higher with all missions that are still operating.
Jim - 19/4/2008 12:44 PMmission ops and launch vehiclesEdit:also don't forget EOS missions
Analyst - 19/4/2008 12:38 PMBut as I said, scientific rationale: Cassini is still and will for quite some time give us answers and new question. As for Jupiter: only questions we have.
Blackstar - 19/4/2008 3:00 PMQuoteJim - 19/4/2008 12:53 PMcurrent mission operations are higher with all missions that are still operating.Not sure which post you're responding to, presumably the one about all the plans for lots of missions?The key thing is that those plans were made when we were operating under very optimistic cost estimates. Part of this was due to the faster cheaper better philosophy. Also, there was an assumption of more money for science.
Thorny - 19/4/2008 9:42 PMDon't forget Juno is coming soon. That Jupiter already has a new (relatively modest) mission in the works might be the factor that gives the next flagship to Saturn/Titan.
Thorny - 19/4/2008 2:42 PMQuoteAnalyst - 19/4/2008 12:38 PMBut as I said, scientific rationale: Cassini is still and will for quite some time give us answers and new question. As for Jupiter: only questions we have.Don't forget Juno is coming soon. That Jupiter already has a new (relatively modest) mission in the works might be the factor that gives the next flagship to Saturn/Titan.