I know, there's a war going on, but most of this could have been paying off by now.

"all funding for the Pluto-Kuiper Belt mission and the Europa Orbiter mission has been eliminated in 2003 and subsequent years. "

"and subsequent years" - What does that mean, exactly? Does that mean that they will be considered again after 2003, but without real intent for realization? Does that mean that they are currently being funded 'until' 2003? (They'd better hustle then.)

Ah, but it also says:

"*reformulated planetary program and the inclusion of a nuclear power and propulsion program."

So most of the above missions work so far may be scrapped.

Power and propulsion are at the top of the list now.

""Mars Smart Lander/Mobile Laboratory mission... will now be launched in calendar year 2009 to allow the incorporation of nuclear power, instead of calendar year 2007 as previously planned."

Will it really be ready for launch in 2009? What role will politics play in the next decade (projects can be scrapped just like that, you know).

A faster, steady and reliable vehicle for *all* the above missions may just payoff (the waiting game).

Marcia
- I had to put my two pennies in.