|
In order for all the bells
and whistles to work for you, you must enable JAVA and JAVAScript - everything else at this
site should be compatible between browser types...I'll
try to keep it down. :> |
A Look Ahead?
NASA Administrator Dan Goldin signaled a slowdown
in the space agency's ambitious Mars program
after the near-certain loss of Mars Polar Lander.
A look at the missions
as planned before the failure:
2001:
An orbiter and lander similar to the two
spacecraft lost this year. The lander is to touch
down near the equator, carrying a spare Mars
Pathfinder rover, robotic arm and other science
instruments. Because of the recent losses, the
mission is likely to undergo major changes.
2003:
The first of two sample-collection missions. The
lander and rover will search for soil and rock
samples and take them to a small rocket that will
send the material into Martian orbit.
2005:
In the second sample mission, a lander and rover
will collect more material and a small rocket
will carry it to orbit. A spacecraft built by the
French space agency will be sent to the Red
Planet to retrieve the samples and return them to
Earth in 2008.
2007-2009:
More sample return missions planned.
2011-2013:
Plans might include permanent robotic outposts
where complex science missions are carried out. |
|
