The discussion centers on proposed astrobiology missions targeting the moons Europa, Titan, and Enceladus. The joint NASA-ESA proposal, referenced in the Wikipedia link, is currently in a state of uncertainty due to budget constraints affecting NASA's involvement. ESA is considering funding the mission independently or seeking collaboration with other space agencies. If these options fail, the mission may be scrapped in favor of competing projects under ESA's Cosmic Vision program.
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I think that NASA is no longer involved because it can't afford it so ESA is looking to either fund it itself or collaborate with another space agency. I guess if it can't do that it will be scraped and replaced with one of the other http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_Vision#Large_missions_.28L.29" the project is competing with.skydivephil said:Thanks I note the Wiki page usues the term " was a joint NASa ESA proposal", any diea why use the emphasis on the past tense? Is it not still an option for further development ( for a distant day when budgets are healthier) or has it been rejected ?