NASA Delays Mars Probe

NASA is dumping plans for next year’s launch an ambitious science probe to the surface of Mars to search for signs of life.

The new plan, outlined during a press conference on Thursday, is to fly in 2011, the next time Earth and Mars are favorably positioned.

“If we could delay the launch for a few months we would, but launch opportunities don’t allow that,” said NASA chief Michael Griffin.

The problem revolves around motors in a system being designed to lower the Mars Science Laboratory onto the planet’s surface.

The delays will add another $400 million or more to the probe’s already-ballooned $1.9 billion price tag. Managers expect to delay other Mars probes, and if necessary, other projects in NASA’s space science portfolio, to cover the costs. Those folks weren't at the press conference.