Scientists are pressuring NASA to restore the Pluto Kuiper Express mission cancelled in favour of a Europa Orbiter mission to a Jupiter moon. The original mission was due for launch in 2004, using a Jupiter gravity-assist fly-by to take it to Pluto in 2014. If reinstated, NASA says the launch would be in 2009/10.
The spacecraft would use a solar electric propulsion or solar sail and arrive at Pluto in 2020, or a Jupiter gravity fly-by for a flight in 2014/15, reaching Pluto in 2023.
Source: Flight International
