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NASA studies new lunar sampling, Jupiter missions NASA NEWS RELEASE Posted: July 16, 2004 NASA today announced the selection of two proposals for detailed study as candidates for the next mission in the agency's New Frontiers Program. The proposals are missions that would drop robotic landers into a crater at the south pole of the moon and return samples to Earth, and a mission that would orbit Jupiter from pole to pole for the first time to conduct an in-depth study of the giant planet. "These two outstanding proposals were judged to be the best science value among the seven submitted to NASA in 2004," said Dr. Ed Weiler, associate administrator for space science at NASA Headquarters, Washington. "It was a very tough decision, but we're excited at the prospect of the discoveries either of them could make in continuing our mission of exploration of the solar system, and what they could tell us about our place in the universe," he added. Each proposal will now receive up to $1.2 million to conduct a seven-month implementation feasibility study focused on cost, management and technical plans, including educational outreach and small business involvement. Following detailed mission concept studies, due for submission by March 2005, NASA intends to select one of the mission proposals for full development as the second New Frontiers mission by May 2005. The selected New Frontiers science mission must be ready for launch no later than June 30, 2010, within a mission cost cap of $700 million. The selected full mission investigations, and the Principal Investigators, are:
The New Frontiers Program is designed to provide opportunities to conduct several of the medium-class missions identified as the top priority objectives in the Decadal Solar System Exploration Survey, conducted by the Space Studies Board of the National Research Council. NASA's New Horizons mission, which will fly by the Pluto- Charon system in 2014 and then target another Kuiper belt object, was designated the first New Frontiers mission. |
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On this 35th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 mission, re-live the thrilling launch as the astronauts depart Earth for their lunar voyage. (9min 01sec file)
This NASA film from July 1965 entitled "Thrust to the Moon" looks at the work to develop the Saturn 5 launcher and the Apollo spacecraft. (4min 30sec file)
A detailed look at development of the Saturn 5 rocket is captured in this NASA film from October 1967 entitled "The Next Giant Leap: Apollo Saturn." (13min 53sec file)
The Boeing Delta 2 rocket launches NASA's Aura atmospheric research satellite at 3:02 a.m. local time from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. This movie following the flight from liftoff through ignition of the second stage and jettison of the payload fairing with ground cameras and infrared trackers. (5min 12sec file)
Scientists reveal stunning pictures of Saturn's moon Titan and other results during this news conference from July 3. (38min 17sec file)
Cassini's stunning close-up images of the rings around Saturn, taken just after the craft entered orbit Thursday morning, are presented with expert narration by Carolyn Porco, the mission imaging team leader. (8min 39sec file)