Postpone the program to search for planets

NASA has postponed two programs looking for planets that support life. Instead, the agency focuses on making new-generation spacecraft to return to the Moon in the next decade.

Photo simulated Terrestrial Planet Finder dual telescope, consisting of two observatories.

PlanetQuest and Terrestrial Planet Finder Sim project managed by NASA Jet Engine Laboratory (JPL).

The goal of the project is to search for Earth-like planets, which have conditions suitable for life or growing in that direction.

NASA is working to implement President Bush's space exploration plan, building a manned exploration spacecraft to replace the current shuttle fleet. The new spacecraft will bring astronauts back to the Moon in 2018.

NASA director Michael Griffin said the 2007 budget reflects that priority.

According to the budget proposal for Bush's fiscal year 2007, the National Aerospace Administration (NASA) will be granted $ 16.8 billion, up 3% from the previous year. Among them, about $ 5.3 billion will be spent on the scientific missions of the agency.

The PlanetQuest Sim project will be awarded $ 98.5 million in the 2007 fiscal year. However, the expected launch time for 2011 has been postponed until 2015 or longer. The purpose of Sim is to measure the distance and position of stars to locate Earth-like planets. Those planets are about 100 light-years away from target stars.

Terrestrial Planet Finder dual telescopes are expected to be launched in 2016 and 2019. They will use Sim's information to photograph the planets in search of proof of life. However, the program has been postponed indefinitely.

Other projects managed by JPL continue, including launching self-propelled robots to Mars. NASA spent $ 90.5 million to launch Phoenix Mars robot in 2007. This static robot will land on Mars's north pole and use robotic arms to dig up the terrain in search of water signs.

$ 348 million was spent on the Mars Science Laboratory. This robot will roam on Mars to collect soil samples for analysis. It is expected to be launched in 2009.

NASA Center currently has about 5,000 employees. Last year, NASA fired about 300 employees. Budget 2007 does not affect the number of existing employees.

Minh Son