NASA's New Horizons probe has been launched. Its target is Pluto, and even with a slingshot around Jupiter, it will take nine years to get there. Which is a hell of a long time to wait before getting results.
I wonder whether I'll remember in 2015 that the thing is even on its way?
You must have to be a real longtermer at NASA to see one of these things from development to reaching the objective. I've never stayed in a job more than five years - this you'd be looking at 15+.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if they launch with a basic platform and develop the mission software while it's on the way to Pluto?
2015? Hmm, still a bit before the big scope arrays are due up, but hardly enough for the trouble, especially for a single pass.
ReplyDeleteOh well, it's always fun to chuck stuff into space. 8]