MAVEN launch preparations resume
Posted: Fri, Oct 4, 2013, 8:12 AM ET (1212 GMT)
Work has resumed on a NASA Mars mission slated for launch next month after officials determined the mission was exempt from the federal government shutdown. Preparations of the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN) for launch in mid-November were put on hold Tuesday when then federal government shut down. An extended lapse, project officials warned, could have prevented the spacecraft from launching in a window that is open only through December 7, delaying it until 2016. However, the mission's principal investigator said Thursday he was notified NASA was exempting the mission from the shutdown because of the role the spacecraft will play as a communications relay for current and future Mars landers. NASA guidelines for the government shutdown exempted those activities required for the operation of ongoing missions. The mission, for now, remains on track for a launch on November 18.
Work has resumed on a NASA Mars mission slated for launch next month after officials determined the mission was exempt from the federal government shutdown. Preparations of the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN) for launch in mid-November were put on hold Tuesday when then federal government shut down. An extended lapse, project officials warned, could have prevented the spacecraft from launching in a window that is open only through December 7, delaying it until 2016. However, the mission's principal investigator said Thursday he was notified NASA was exempting the mission from the shutdown because of the role the spacecraft will play as a communications relay for current and future Mars landers. NASA guidelines for the government shutdown exempted those activities required for the operation of ongoing missions. The mission, for now, remains on track for a launch on November 18.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Sunday, February 23
AAC Clyde Space presents INFLECION: Safer Oceans, Smarter Shipping, and Greener Future
AAC Clyde Space — 1:45 pm ET (1845 GMT) European Commission Supports Atmos With €13.1 Million EIC Funding
Atmos Space Cargo — 1:44 pm ET (1844 GMT) Welcoming Head of Product to Dominate Innovation Across Navigation and Autonomy
Advanced Navigation — 1:42 pm ET (1842 GMT) Mystery of 'remarkable' cosmic explosion that lay hidden for years
Royal Astronomical Society — 1:41 pm ET (1841 GMT) DESI Uncovers 300 New Intermediate-Mass Black Holes Plus 2500 New Active Black Holes in Dwarf Galaxies
National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory — 1:40 pm ET (1840 GMT) |
