NASA’s DAVINCI and VERITAS gain reported funding and launch targets
SCIENCEUnverifiedUpdated:
After delay and cancellation threats, NASA's DAVINCI and VERITAS Venus missions are reported to have funding and revised launch targets, though both missions remain future plans.
Plans for atmospheric descent and orbital radar
According to the report, NASA's DAVINCI mission is targeting a December 2030 launch and VERITAS is funded for a November 2032 launch. DAVINCI is intended to send a parachute-assisted probe through Venus's atmosphere, while VERITAS is intended to map the planet's surface by radar from orbit.
The report describes earlier delays and cancellation pressure on the two NASA missions. It says DAVINCI's previous launch plan was a year later; it does not provide a comparable earlier launch date for VERITAS.
DAVINCI is now targeted for December 2030, one year earlier than its previous plan, while VERITAS is reported to be funded with a November 2032 launch date.
Launches and scientific results remain prospective
The reported schedules would put two NASA Venus missions back on a path to launch after the program faced delays and a threat that one mission could be cancelled. Their scientific operations and results remain prospective.
Sources
- Ars TechnicaThings are finally looking up for NASA's first missions to Venus in a generationRead source →