Europe is moving forward independently on the Envision Venus mission after NASA indicated it may not provide the promised radar instrument. ESA officials confirmed they are finalizing a European solution as NASA conversations remain ongoing but uncertain. The Envision launch has already been delayed to 2032 to allow more time for development.

NASA’s complementary VERITAS mission faces delays until at least 2031 due to funding issues, while DAVINCI continues toward an early 2030s launch. The Venus Science Coordination group’s work has been suspended due to US budgetary changes. ESA is also reassessing NASA roles in LISA and New Athena missions, where the US was to contribute critical hardware.

The Trump administration previously sought to cancel NASA’s support for ESA’s Rosalind Franklin Mars rover, though Congress restored funding, enabling a 2028 launch via SpaceX. ESA leaders emphasized their commitment to partnerships, noting NASA remains a key collaborator on ISS and Artemis. However, Europe is expanding cooperation, including a recent 50-50 science mission with China (SMILE) and lunar instrument delivery via Chang’e 6.

ESA is exploring further Chinese-led mission opportunities.