As NASA scientists continue to report startling discoveries made during the Cassini spacecraft's initial tour of Saturn, a plan is being drafted that would extend the mission through 2017. Funding for the Cassini program is scheduled to end Sept. 30, 2010. However, the spacecraft remains in good shape and could continue to return valuable data for years to come, scientists say, provided NASA approves the necessary funding to extend Cassini's tour. Mission officials are preparing to present their case for a seven-year extension to NASA headquarters next month.
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