Why Didn't SMD Announce Mars 2020 Science Definition Team?
Keith’s note: NASA has decided who is on their Mars 2020 rover Science Definition Team. No press release however. Isn’t it a bit odd that SMD uses a bull horn to tell everyone who was not selected, but can’t be bothered to tell the public who was selected. I have to wonder if SMD actually has a PAO strategy these days. I have seen little evidence thereof these days.
NASA SMD Uses a Bullhorn to Say ‘No Thanks’, Earlir post
“NASA SMD sent this “thanks but no thanks” email to everyone who offered their services to the 2020 Mars rover Science Definition Team – but were turned down. SMD made sure to let everyone on the list see everyone else’s name/email addresses. Class act.”
NASA MEPAG #27 Cancellation Notice
“However, the 2020 Rover Science Definition Team is just now being formed and will not be far enough into its deliberations to give a meaningful out-brief in February.”
Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) Meeting
“Delays in the federal budget process prompted us to cancel the two-day physical meeting previously scheduled February 26-27 for the Washington, DC area and to replace it with this half-day electronic meeting.”
All US with one British exception.
To invite ESA scientists would have been a sign of cooperationm. There were more than 1 on the list which were rejected.
The 2020 Rover Science Definition Team was announced Jan. 24 and is publicly on this 2020 Rover webpage: http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/m2…
NASA usually issues press releases for events such as this. None was issued. Nor were the people who applied to be on the team (but turned down) informed by email or memo. Its not like everyone reads every website every 5 minutes. SMD is going out of its way to keep Mars 2020 activities out of the news – and it shows.