WFIRST
NASA weighs delaying WFIRST to fund JWST overrun
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said July 25 that, in order to address the delays and cost overruns with the James Webb Space Telescope, the agency may seek to slow down development of another flagship astrophysics mission.
NASA studying potential additional cuts in WFIRST
A NASA astrophysics mission that passed a key milestone after making cost reductions is studying potential additional cuts to one of its instruments.
Bridenstine offers senators reassurances on NASA programs
In his first congressional testimony since becoming NASA administrator a month ago, Jim Bridenstine sought to reassure Senate appropriators about the status of several agency programs threatened with cancellation, as well as his own views on climate change.
Bridenstine optimistic WFIRST will avoid cancellation
As House appropriators approved a spending bill May 17 that partially restores funding for a NASA astrophysics mission slated for cancellation, the agency’s administrator said he was “90 percent” confident that the mission will continue.
Astronomers resist NASA push to delay astrophysics decadal survey
With uncertainty about the future of two large space telescopes, NASA is continuing to suggest that the next decadal survey for astrophysics be postponed, a move opposed by many astronomers.
NASA missions press ahead despite budget uncertainty
As House appropriators prepare to take up a spending bill that funds NASA, some programs proposed for cancellation are pressing ahead despite fiscal uncertainty that one scientist described as “psychologically damaging.”
NASA may extend space station missions to address potential commercial crew delays
NASA is in discussions with its Russian counterparts about extending some upcoming space station missions as a way to buy more time for development of commercial crew vehicles.
WFIRST work continues despite budget and schedule uncertainty
Despite problems with another large astronomy mission and its own threatened cancellation, NASA’s WFIRST mission is expected to clear a major review next month after having reduced its costs.
House members question balance of NASA programs in 2019 budget proposal
Members of the House space subcommittee raised concerns about elements of NASA's fiscal year 2019 budget proposal during a March 7 hearing, from the cancellation of a space telescope to restructuring of the agency's technology programs.
Op-ed | In defense of astrophysics
President Trump's 2019 NASA budget would pull the plug on astronomer's No. 1 priority for the next decade. NASA's former astrophysics chief says Congress should keep WFIRST funded.
NASA budget proposal seeks to cancel WFIRST
The Trump administration is offering $19.6 billion for NASA in its fiscal year 2019 request, while seeking to cancel a flagship astronomy mission and end NASA funding of the International Space Station in 2025.
Scientists and engineers push for servicing and assembly of future space observatories
A group of astronomers and engineers is seeking to convince NASA to study in-space servicing and assembly of future space telescopes, including the role the proposed Deep Space Gateway could play to support it.
NASA plans to have WFIRST reviews complete by April
NASA hopes to have a major astronomy mission back on track by April after completing efforts to reduce its cost, an agency official said Jan. 8.
Astronomers meet amid questions about the status of NASA flagship missions
Scientists gathering this week for the country’s largest astronomy meeting will discuss plans for future space telescopes, while raising questions about the status of upcoming missions.
Independent review to examine JWST launch plans
NASA will provide an updated launch date for the James Webb Space Telescope early next year, even as some warn that the mission might face further delays.
