Mars 2020
Committee praises NASA’s planetary science program but raises some concerns
NASA has done a good job implementing the recommendations of its latest planetary science decadal survey despite past budget problems, but needs to improve some programs, a recent report concluded.
Report recommends NASA revise its planetary protection policies
NASA’s approaches to planetary protection are outdated in an era of more ambitious missions and emergence of private space exploration ventures and thus need to be revised, a new report concludes.
NASA agrees to fly helicopter demo on Mars 2020
NASA announced May 11 that it will fly a small helicopter as a technology demonstration on its next Mars rover, despite concerns from some on the project that it could be a distraction.
Decision expected soon on adding helicopter to Mars 2020
NASA is expected to make a decision later this month on whether to include a small helicopter as a technology demonstration on the Mars 2020 rover despite concerns by scientists that it might distract from the rover’s science mission.
Cracked heat shield won’t delay Mars 2020 mission
Development of a NASA mission to collect samples on Mars for later return to Earth has suffered a setback, although one that project officials said should not affect its 2020 launch date.
NASA Mars exploration efforts turn to operating existing missions and planning sample return
With few new missions in development, NASA's Mars Exploration Program is shifting towards operations of ongoing missions as well as technology development to support an eventual sample return effort.
NASA planning August release of Mars robotic exploration architecture
With time running out to start work on a 2022 Mars orbiter, a NASA official said July 10 the agency plans to have a “coherent Mars architecture” for future robotic Mars missions ready for presentation an at August committee meeting.
Technical risks threaten to delay Mars 2020 mission
A report released Jan. 30 by NASA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) identified several issues with the agency’s Mars 2020 rover mission that could delay its launch.
Atlas 5 to launch Mars 2020 rover
NASA’s next Mars rover will fly on the same version of the launch vehicle that launched its predecessor, NASA announced Aug. 25.
NASA taps ULA to launch Mars 2020 rover
United Launch Alliance, as expected, has won a contract to launch NASA's next Mars rover.
Mars 2020 rover mission to cost more than $2 billion
As NASA’s next flagship Mars mission, the Mars 2020 rover, moves into its next phase of development, agency officials say the mission will cost $2.1 billion, more than originally estimated for a mission that they argue will also be more capable than first planned.
