Planetary Society logo
  • “Exploration is in our nature.” - Carl Sagan

Planetary Science Budget Projections for a Balanced Program (pre-FY2017 budget)

Planetary Science Budget Projections for a Balanced Program (pre-FY2017 budget)
Planetary Science Budget Projections for a Balanced Program (pre-FY2017 budget) Funding projections for a balanced program of planetary science and a Europa mission in 2023. Jason Callahan / The Planetary Society

Base data is taken from the FY2016 NASA budget request and makes the following assumptions:

  • A 2023 launch date for a $2B Europa multiple-flyby mission with an additional $750M lander on a launch vehicle that costs roughly the same as an Atlas V.

  • The next New Frontiers (medium-class) planetary mission stays on track for launch no later than 2025.

  • The next Discovery (small-class) mission launches in 2020.

  • The follow-on Discovery mission is selected by the end of 2019 for launch in 2023.

  • A Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter-class ($700M) tele-orbiter launches to Mars in 2024.

  • Research and technology funding grow with inflation.

  • Mars Opportunity is funded through its current extended mission.

  • Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is funded through its current extended mission.