Europe will go it alone on Venus mission after NASA yanks radar instrument
The European Space Agency is proceeding with its EnVision mission to Venus independently after NASA withdrew its commitment to provide a radar instrument. This shift follows significant cuts to NASA's science budget by the current administration.
Why it matters
The withdrawal reflects shifting geopolitical and budgetary priorities in space exploration, potentially stalling international scientific collaboration.
Phase B Europe will go it alone on Venus mission after NASA yanks radar instrument Europe is looking inward, and perhaps to China, as the White House tries to cancel some NASA partnerships.
7 Artist's illustration of the EnVision spacecraft at Venus. Credit: ESA/Paris Observatory/VR2Planets Artist's illustration of the EnVision spacecraft at Venus. Credit: ESA/Paris Observatory/VR2Planets Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav The European Space Agency is moving “full steam ahead” with development of a robotic mission to Venus after NASA officials determined they were unlikely to fulfill a commitment to provide a US-built radar instrument for the spacecraft, the mission’s project scientist said.
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