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The article talks about a descent stage built by a private space company* that won't be delivered on time. So even if the rover tested out perfectly, they can't
by scrumper 2y ago
The article talks about a descent stage built by a private space company* that won't be delivered on time. So even if the rover tested out perfectly, they can't land it.
(*which might just mean "contractor")
- elefanten 2y agoAssuming this is the case, is there some kind of meaningful penalty for a contractor blowing up an entire mission like that? I mean... beyond just not getting another contract?
- Jtsummers 2y agoUnless they're very small, they'll still win other contracts. Failure is always an option for companies in the defense sector (NASA being defense adjacent, their contractors are almost all also defense contractors).
- jefftk 2y agoThat seems like the key point!
- ASalazarMX 2y agoI knew this sounded too much like the "already finished rover" wasn't actually finished, which is a very reasonable explanation for not sending it yet.