Quote from: simonbp on 12/04/2012 11:28 pmQuote 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.We will need some orbiter type missions to replace aging missions. Mars Odyssey is gonna need to be replaced at some point. Even if it is just a relay comm mission. Obviously we want science on board but we need to relay data. But there are people who they can do that. Respectfully,Andrew GasserTEA Party in Space
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.
When was it ever alive?This announcement changes nothing WRT sample return, except this rover may have caching capabilities.
Maven does include a relay package. Any future orbiters would almost surely include relay capability. European (etc) assets may be able to relay, as well.
Caching not assured: open to science definition team.
MAVEN gets to Mars in 2014. TGO gets to Mars in 2016 or 17. Figure both of them can operate as relays for up to 10 years. You don't need to think about a replacement orbiter until late in this decade. Not a problem.And you don't need relays. You can operate without them.
Quote from: Blackstar on 12/04/2012 11:40 pmMAVEN gets to Mars in 2014. TGO gets to Mars in 2016 or 17. Figure both of them can operate as relays for up to 10 years. You don't need to think about a replacement orbiter until late in this decade. Not a problem.And you don't need relays. You can operate without them.But doesn't operating without relays slow down data delivery?
While the mission will welcomed by hard-rock Mars scientists, it will have some enemies.First, it is another strike against planetary scientists who want to explore places further out in the Solar System. The astrobiological significance of the Jupiter moon Europa, which harbours a salt water ocean under a thin shell of ice, has long intrigued scientists. But most Europa mission designs have come in with price tags of several billion dollars.
Possibility that Britain may contribute life detection instrument.End press conference.
Thanks to arachnitect for some of the play-by-play coverage. Much appreciated!
There is no Pu-238 funding at this time - I would like to ask Mr. Grunsfeld where he got that information.Respectively,Andrew GasserTEA Party in Space