spacetoday.net: NASA panel extends Kepler, other astronomy missions

Posted: Thu, Apr 5, 2012, 8:51 AM ET (1251 GMT)
Kepler spacecraft illustration (NASA/Ames)

A NASA panel has concluded the agency should extend the mission of Kepler, a space telescope searching for extrasolar planets, as well as a number of other current astronomy missions. NASA's Senior Review examined the effectiveness of current astronomy missions seeking funding to extend their operations. For Kepler, the panel concluded spacecraft operations should continue through fiscal year 2016. Kepler was launched in March 2009 for a prime mission of 3.5 years. The panel also supported extending the mission of several other astronomy missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope. The mission extension decisions still require sufficient funding in future years to support continued operations.