MadSci Network: Engineering |
What happens to the science team and spare equipment when missions fail, like CONTOUR? Does NASA even keep spare models around to trouble shoot when active missions face problems, for example, when Voyager 2’s camera was sticking while approaching Uranus? A spare camera highlighted the fact that planetary scientists were moving the camera too much. Is it possible to launch the back up hardware as a second mission, assuming that the error has been detected, reengineered and tested? How much would it cost to launch failed missions a second time? $50 million per Delta III rocket to reach the Moon and near-Earth asteroids, and another $50 to integrate the spare components into a spacecraft? Should missions include a second launch option while in the planning and budget process? Thank you for your time.
Re: Can failed NASA missions be launched again?
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