"VERITAS Mission: Launch Delay Risks Highlighted"
The head of NASA's delayed VERITAS mission to Venus has warned that the project risks losing critical expertise if the agency doesn't find a way to move up the mission. The mission, originally planned for launch in the late 2020s, was delayed by three years to address institutional problems at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. However, the principal investigator for VERITAS argued that many of the issues have been resolved and an extended delay threatens the personnel available for the mission. The biggest challenge is funding, but a draft report accompanying a commerce, justice, and science appropriations bill provides support for VERITAS and directs NASA to ensure the mission remains on track.