Reply #29: My problem is the resources it will divert.

[Xithras]

I disagree that NASA is a wasteful agency. NASA does a lot on a bugdet that is fairly small when compared to the rest of our government. They manage dozens of missions both around our planet and others, they fund R&D on next generation space technologies, and they reliably keep political boondoggles like the ISS and Shuttle flying.

My problem with Triana is basically misplaced priorities. In an ideal world where NASA had all the funds it needed, I'd support launching it "just because". Triana is just one of many space probes mothballed for budget or political reasons, and many of the others are more deserving of launch than Triana is. I just can't support the launch of a marginally scientifically useful mission like Triana while genuinely useful space research line NuStar, TPF, and the Explorers programs are being scaled back or cancelled outright. I have a problem with NASA dedicating funds to a glorified planetary webcam at the same time they're laying off their best and brightest, and stripping research budgets.

I'm not saying Triana is of no value, but there are many other projects at NASA that are more deserving, and they should get preference for launch.

Besides, the shuttle think is kind of a dealbreaker anyway. I doubt that Triana could be ready for launch in under a year, and nobody is going to support spending an additional $400 million to add a dedicated shuttle launch just for this probe.