QUOTE (remcook @ Jul 22 2005, 10:36 AM)
Just a general question: how does NASA fund extended missions? Is there a special source for this? does it need to go past congress again? Is it extra money or will it be subtracted from other missions?
I am just speculating, I have no special knowledge;
* Unused budget from programs that didn't use all their $ (hard to imagine in any governmental endeavor, I know)
* After 40 some years of surprises, I hope there is actually a budget item for extended missions.
* Probably a 'prudent reserve' factor in most departments, tap into that for unusually long lived missions.
* If I was 'in charge' I might be tempted to hold off a couple of smaller projects if there was an intriguing rib cage or leg bone sticking out of a distant sand dune on the last frame sent down in 2009 by the still functioning, but congressionaly mandated abandoned Mars Rover.
* Run a deficit.