Fate Of Next Mars Rover At Stake Today

Facing significant technical problems and a cost overrun, NASA today might push back a planned 2009 launch of the Mars Science Laboratory or even cancel the project, which already has cost $1.5 billion.

About the size of a small SUV, NASA's next Mars rover -- and its most ambitious yet -- is scheduled to blast off aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket during a time-critical 20-day window that will stretch from Sept. 15 to Oct. 4, 2009.

If the mission stays on schedule, it would set sail from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and arrive at the red planet between July 10 and Sept. 14, 2010.

A delay beyond the 2009 launch date could push the mission back at least two years. NASA targets Mars missions for launch about every 26 months because that is when Earth and Mars are optimally aligned for the trip.

But a postponement definitely is in the cards. Outright cancellation is, too.

The cost of developing and delivering the new-technology lander is skyrocketing, and mission managers reportedly need another $100 million to keep the project on track for the 2009 launch window.

Stalling the mission until 2011 would exacerbate the problem, potentially tripling the amount of extra money need to make the mission happen.

A do-or-die pitch will be delivered today when Mars program managers meet with NASA Administrator Mike Griffin.

A media teleconference is scheduled for 3 p.m., and we aim to provide streaming audio so that you can listen in.

Larger than either the Mars Spirit, Opportunity or Phoenix rovers, which still are exploring, the Mars Science Laboratory aims to determine whether the planet is now -- or ever was -- habitable to microbial life.

But the Mars Science Laboratory is designed to use a new landing system -- and a whole new landing scheme -- that is radically different from those used in the past.

Due to its hefty size -- 1,800 pounds -- NASA intends to use a technologically risky "sky crane" to help ease the spacecraft to the surface of the planet.

The plan calls for a rocket-powered descent stage to lower the lander to the surface from a winch controlling a rope-like bridle.

Once the rover touches down, the descent stage is supposed to rocket off to a crash landing far away from the Mars Science Laboratory.

We should know later today whether plans for the mission encounter the same fate.