Like those who defend a particular explication of scientific objectivity, the critics struggle to explain what makes science objective, trustworthy and special.
The science objective is ultimately implemented within the operational requirements of the mission strategy.
Sampling the South Pole-Aitken basin, one of the oldest impact basins in the solar system, is a key science objective of the 2011 Planetary Science Decadal Survey.
For these reasons, obtaining additional heat flow measurements has been recognized as a high priority lunar science objective.
Whatever it is, it should come as no surprise that finding a positive characterization of what makes science objective is hard.
Mission scientists originally thought the rover would not be able to meet its main science objective -- finding out whether the Martian environment had ever been conducive to life until it got to the base of the mountain.
More than a publicity stunt, landing SWARM would provide an ongoing science objective: its radio beacon could be used to provide accurate Doppler information on Ceresí orbit and rotation.
Most scientists will tell you that science is "objective": science presents the facts and it is up to society to interpret these facts and decide how to use them.
If one believes that good science is objective science, a connection between the individual personal situation of the researcher and the results of his or her work seems impossible.
But that mission was mainly a technology demonstration, with modest science objectives, said Peter Theisinger, the Mars Exploration Rover project manager at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.
The enormous array of science objectives and targets — moons, rings, Saturn itself — makes it one of the most complex missions ever flown.
