QuoteU.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who has been critical of past cutbacks in NASA's planetary science program, applauded the plan announced today.However, Schiff said he favored launching the rover in 2018 — when the alignment of Earth and Mars is more favorable, permitting the launch of a heavier payload. "I will be working with NASA, the White House and my colleagues in Congress to see whether advancing the launch date is possible, and what it would entail," he said.http://cosmiclog.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/04/15678579-nasa-plans-2020-mars-rover-remake?liteCould they get this built and launched in five to six years?
U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who has been critical of past cutbacks in NASA's planetary science program, applauded the plan announced today.However, Schiff said he favored launching the rover in 2018 — when the alignment of Earth and Mars is more favorable, permitting the launch of a heavier payload. "I will be working with NASA, the White House and my colleagues in Congress to see whether advancing the launch date is possible, and what it would entail," he said.
Wow, a congressman who knows orbital mechanics. Not sure if I believe it or if he just heard the fact from somewhere. How many extra kg could this 2018 opportunity give a mission anyway in comparison to a 2020 launch?
spare MMTRG for Curiosity will be used for new rover, and will use more Curiosity spare parts and team for new rover.Could have done something for 2018, but did not have enough for budget, so delay for a rover.
Total cost for MSL 2.0 is $1.5 Billion to include the cost of the Launch Vehicle.Hopeful we make it this time. This coincidentally is another Mars Flagship in terms of cost.Respectfully,Andrew GasserTEA Party in Space
When was it ever alive?This announcement changes nothing WRT sample return, except this rover may have caching capabilities.
Quote from: Robotbeat on 12/04/2012 10:58 pmWhen was it ever alive?This announcement changes nothing WRT sample return, except this rover may have caching capabilities.There had been a lingering chance of a sample return mission (which Chris just wrote up last week) in the 2020s, following from its recommendation by the Decadal Survey. That now seems very unlikely, as there would be huge resistance to two very expensive Mars surface missions in a row.
Following the "What Comes After MSL" thread there was talk of a few options for the cashing rover. Is this a much bigger more capable rover than the rovers in the latest MSR studies?