Athena would launch by mid-2030s to study supermassive blackholes and more.
The European Space Agency is considering ways to redesign a major X-ray space telescope after a number of ESA member states have backed out of the project., or Advanced Telescope for High-Energy Astrophysics, was selected by ESA in 2014 and is intended to launch to Sun-Earth Lagrangian point 2, a spot about 1 million miles away from Earth on the planet's night side.
However, ESA is now looking at possibilities to scale back the design of the observatory in the face of rising costs,, quoting comments from Paul McNamara, ESA astronomy and astrophysics coordinator, during a July 21 presentation to NASA's astronomy and astrophysics committee.Athena had an estimated cost of about 1.17 billion euros, adjusted to today's prices, when first selected. However, by May of this year, estimates had grown to 1.9 billion euros, according to the report.
The mission has been progressing well on the technology side, including the development of a new, lightweight mirror. However, ESA's costs have risen due to a number of partners pulling out."Several of the member states concluded that they were unable to fulfill their commitments," McNamara said, asking that ESA take over their responsibility, according to the report.
ESA is keen that the increased costs do not impact other missions and is now looking to"rescope" Athena to reduce its pricetag. McNamara stated that the agency is not looking to cancel the project.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
All-new Electric Jeep Caught Undisguised in EuropeWe don't know the price – we don’t know what they’re going to call it! But now, at least, we know exactly what the Jeep EV will look like!
Read more »
Why are there so few homeless people in Western Europe?Opinion: Why are there so few homeless people in Western Europe?
Read more »
Tiny African kingdom has skiing as Europe sweats summer heatWhile millions across Europe sweat through a summer of record-breaking heat, other people are skiing in Africa.
Read more »
Physicist trolls James Webb Space Telescope fans with a photo of a chorizo sausage | EngadgetThe James Webb Space Telescope was recently the subject of a not-so-charming prank..
Read more »
Scientist admits 'space telescope' photo is actually chorizo in tasty Twitter prankNo, it was not a James Webb Space Telescope photo of Proxima Centari, the scientist confesses.
Read more »