Mars mission gets approval to continue working despite government shutdown

Science : When the US federal government shut down, NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution ( MAVEN) spacecraft appeared likely to have its launch window threatened. However, because part of the craft’s mission is to provide communication relay services between Earth and the Martian rovers Curiosity and Opportunity, the project was given emergency funding to continue preparations. Scheduled to launch between 18 November and 7 December, MAVEN will orbit Mars, where it will also be used to study the planet’s atmosphere. If the project were to be delayed by an extended shutdown, it would likely miss the launch window and thus jeopardize the continuation of the other Martian missions.