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December 2, 2008 11:57:39 AM CST

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NASA Delays Mars Probe to 2013

Posted Dec 21, 07 6:40 PM CST in Science & Health 

(Newser) – A conflict of interest has forced NASA to delay a scheduled Mars probe by two years and spend an extra $40 million, the Associated Press reports. The panel choosing between two firms for the mission had to be replaced, and because Mars is only within reach every 26 months, the planned 2011 launch will be moved to 2013.

A NASA official called the conflict "serious" but would not elaborate. 2011 will mark the first missed opportunity to explore Mars since 1994. "I'm incredibly disappointed," the head of one of the research teams said. "We think we've got an outstanding mission and we're ready to go." One team rep said he knew of no conflicts; the other team declined comment.

Source Associated Press

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This image provided by NASA Tuesday Oct. 16, 2007 shows the striking Maunder crater lying at approximately 50° South and 2° East, in the Noachis Terra region on Mars. (AP Photo/NASA)   (Associated Press)
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This image provided by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope shows a close-up of the red planet Mars when it was closest to the Hubble Space Telescope - just 55 million miles (88 million kilometers) away taken...   (Associated Press)
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