Mars 2009 Lab Launch on, Despite Being Over Budget

NASA to push ahead with Mars Lab launch
Technical, schedule difficulties certain to push mission cost past $2 billion
NASA's Mars Science Laboratory is slated to launch in 2009. The rover is to be powered by nuclear generator (not shown) and will have extensive mobility across the Red Planet.


updated 4:59 p.m. CT, Fri., Oct. 10, 2008
NASA will push ahead with its plan for an October 2009 launch of the already over-budget Mars Science Laboratory despite ongoing technical and schedule difficulties all but certain to push the cost of the mission past $2 billion.

Officials in charge of NASA's Mars program made the announcement Friday following a meeting with NASA Administrator Mike Griffin to discuss what to do about the mission in light of continued cost growth. MSL's price tag has risen $300 million since mid-2006 topping $1.9 billion in NASA's latest public estimate.

Doug McCuistion, the director of NASA's Mars Exploration Program, said MSL will need more than $1.9 billion whether it launches as planned in October 2009 or is delayed two years until the next optimal launch window opens in 2011. McCuistion said NASA was not at liberty to say how much additional money MSL would need until it has a chance to square its budget needs with the White House and Congress.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27122754/