NASA cancels Laser Interferometer Space Antenna

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the cancellation of NASA's Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) project, exploring the implications of this decision and related funding issues for other astronomical missions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express disappointment over NASA's cancellation of the LISA project, indicating its value as a mission.
  • One participant mentions that the European Space Agency (ESA) may also struggle to fund the project at its current scope, citing a brief sent to LISA project members.
  • Concerns are raised about the impact of the cancellation on future missions, including the IXO project and the timeline for new X-ray telescopes.
  • Another participant suggests that the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) may be consuming a significant portion of NASA's astronomy budget, potentially affecting other projects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express disappointment regarding the cancellation of LISA, but there is no consensus on the implications for future missions or funding strategies.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the feasibility of mission concepts and funding challenges without detailing specific assumptions or criteria for feasibility.

Physics news on Phys.org
That sucks. =(
 
I hope Europe and Australia take up the slack. This is a valuable mission.
 
Well, it seems that NASA sent out a brief to LISA project members. "...led ESA to conclude that none of the three mission concepts were feasible within the Cosmic Vision L1 schedule." It seems that ESA can't fund these projects at their current scope either.

NASA has also decided to pull funding from the IXO project, as well. That's no fun. When is our next X-ray telescope going up?
 
Oh, no. I don't even really know what to say.
 
Damn. The JWST is sucking NASA astronomy dry.
 

Similar threads

NASA NASA to announce private space shuttle deal
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
NASA A gift to NASA from the National Reconnaissance Office
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
NASA House Panel Cuts Funds for NASA's Managed Space Exploration
  • · Replies 56 ·
2
Replies
56
Views
9K
NASA Help NASA return to the Moon : Sign the Petition.
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
5K
Graduate Laser Communications in Outer Space
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
NASA Can Human Beings Survive Long Term in Space Without Major Health Risks?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
High School Massive Football Field-Sized Asteroid Comes Close to Earth
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
Graduate Early Universe had just one Spatial Dimension?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Transmission of a computer image via a laser
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Will the Space Shuttle Discovery launch this weekend for a 'pedestrian mission'?
  • · Replies 78 ·
3
Replies
78
Views
11K