Google+ Mars Travel: Response From NASA Regarding Assistance Provided to Roscosmos for Phobos-Grunt

Response From NASA Regarding Assistance Provided to Roscosmos for Phobos-Grunt

As posted earlier, I called NASA to inquire about reports that they are prohibited from assisting Phobos-Grunt due to the Chinese orbiter being onboard. I just received a response from NASA.


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Mr. Geaney
Your query was passed to me.


NASA was working with Roscosmos to provide requested technical and communications assistance regarding the Phobos-Grunt spacecraft using NASA's Deep Space Network and other assets. These efforts were on-going prior to transitioning NASA Space Communications and Network and Jet Propulsion Laboratory personnel to support the launch and mission of the Mars Science Laboratory. For further information on the Phobos-Grunt mission, please contact Roscosmos.


Regards
Michael


Michael Braukus
Public Affairs Officer
NASA Headquarters
 Washington, DC 20546


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So reports from Russian Space Web that NASA is not assisting Roscosmos with Phobos-Grunt seem to be unsubstantiated.




UPDATE 17:45 EST


I sent a follow up email to see if assistance has resumed since the launch of Mars Science Laboratory. I got a response:
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I’m waiting on confirmation on that. But despite diverting some of the resources and personnel to support MSL’s launch and mission, we continued to work with Russia.


Michael Braukus
Public Affairs Officer
NASA Headquarters
 Washington, DC 20546



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So NASA continued to assist Phobos-Grunt as requested by Roscosmos, even during the buildup to Mars Science Laboratory's Launch.


I will post more details when I get a response about whether they are continuing to assist Roscosmos with Phobos-Grunt.


In the meantime my Twitter will probably get the update first so make sure to check that.


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