You have probably heard that the MIDEX AO has been delayed due to budget uncertainties at HQ. Included in this message is an explanation of the reason for those uncertainties.
I have been asked if there might be an impact on SMEX 8 and 9. The answer is that there might be. There will be no impact to Phase A -- we intend to complete the concept studies and evaluate the concept study reports as planned. I will know in a month or two whether there will be any impact to the implementation schedule for the SMEX program.
MIDEX Delay
The release of the MIDEX AO has been delayed because of budgetary issues within the Office of Space Science (OSS). Earlier this decade, the cost of the agency's space operations (e.g., mission operation centers, the Deep Space Network, ground stations, TDRSS, etc.) was projected to decrease based on an expectation of relatively few large missions with relatively short lifetimes. Fortunately for space science, we have been successful in launching many more smaller missions and we have continued to extend mission operations beyond the original plan where there is sufficient science justification. The budget for the NASA's Space Operations Management Office (SOMO) is insufficient to meet the current requirements now or in the foreseeable future. In order to continue operating our fleet of almost 30 space science missions, OSS must provide funds out of our fixed budget for space operations. OSS is currently in the process of replanning our budget to do this. This process has two impacts on the Explorer program. First, we can not release the MIDEX AO until we know what the impact on the Explorer Program is of paying for space operations. This will be at least a month or two. Second, the impact itself may necessitate further delays in the release of the MIDEX AO and future Explorer AO's due to decreased available funding for future Explorers.
Paul Hertz
Explorer Program Scientist
NASA Headquarters Responsible Office: Code SZ
Last Updated: 17 October 2001
Author: Paul Hertz (Code SZ)