Why Not Send Another Mer Pair? |
Why Not Send Another Mer Pair? |
Jan 20 2005, 07:28 PM
Post
#1
|
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 154 Joined: 8-June 04 Member No.: 80 |
I realize MSL has more neat features and will last longer, but the design on MER has been proven to work since Spirit has lasted over a year and Opportunity is close behind. MER is cheaper than MSL because it will use solar power and won't take as much testing since it is using proven technologies. What I'm wondering is why not re-use a design that works?
|
|
|
Jan 21 2005, 08:43 PM
Post
#2
|
|
Interplanetary Dumpster Diver Group: Admin Posts: 4404 Joined: 17-February 04 From: Powell, TN Member No.: 33 |
Still too expensive. It would be very difficult to, through subscriptions of scientists and individuals, raise that kind of money, even for a very cheap mission. And even if you were able to eek by, once failure and you would be totally sunk. I don't see the price of an MER dropping much below 300 million.
-------------------- |
|
|
Lo-Fi Version | Time is now: 3rd June 2024 - 10:14 PM |
RULES AND GUIDELINES Please read the Forum Rules and Guidelines before posting. IMAGE COPYRIGHT |
OPINIONS AND MODERATION Opinions expressed on UnmannedSpaceflight.com are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of UnmannedSpaceflight.com or The Planetary Society. The all-volunteer UnmannedSpaceflight.com moderation team is wholly independent of The Planetary Society. The Planetary Society has no influence over decisions made by the UnmannedSpaceflight.com moderators. |
SUPPORT THE FORUM Unmannedspaceflight.com is funded by the Planetary Society. Please consider supporting our work and many other projects by donating to the Society or becoming a member. |