NASA pulls plug on comet collaboration

Article Abstract:

The US has withdrawn its participation in the European Rosetta mission to visit a comet in the early 21st century. NASA head of science Wesley Huntress claimed that the agency's funding for the coming years will not enable it to furnish the comet lander vehicle that it planned to contribute. A lander built by Germany and another from NASA and the French space agency CNES were to be carried on the main orbiter spacecraft, but will separate from it upon arrival at the comet. With the US pullout, CNES met with Germany to discuss a merged European lander. European space scientists have expressed anger at the decision.

Research, International aspects, Comets

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Meteorite claims revitalize plans for further Mars missions

Article Abstract:

The discovery of fossil remains in a Martian meteorite, by a NASA team, has created much excitement among the public and Congress. The evidence may lead to more exploratory missions to mars. A summit that may be held in Dec 1996 will discuss issues related to further research on Mars and NASA funding. Future studies on Mars may involve other agencies, such as the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense. The findings may give a thrust to the international Mars missions.

Reports, Space flight to Mars, Mars flights

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NASA told to make greater use of 'cheaper' private data

Article Abstract:

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is allowed to construct an ocean wind monitoring instrument costing 93 million US dollars providing it takes advantage of inexpensive data sources. The Quick Scatterometer project will be completed by Nov 1998 and use spare parts from other satellites. The organization received twelve million US dollars in 1996 to build another satellite which will have of synthetic aperture radar technology.

Finance, Artificial satellites, Satellites (Spacecraft), Meteorology, Astronautics in meteorology

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