http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5942268/?GT1=5100
NASA is just not having a good week.
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5942268/?GT1=5100
NASA is just not having a good week.
Imagine for a moment that there were space microbes on that vehicle. https://forums.windrivers.com/images.../2005/03/1.gif
Hope it is not the tradgedy it appears to be.
Maby this is what causes the death of us all. a super virus from space that would have never survived entry to earth just got a free ride.
I think I need to start writing the screen play.
As bad as this is it is a Good argument for unmanned space exploration though.
I wonder if the investigation will discover yet another lowest bid contractor is to blame. It seems like NASA is spreading its budget just a little too thin, in an attempt to cover too many projects. If their spectacular failures continue, they may have to adopt Homer Simpson as their mascot and use "D'oh" as their motto. https://forums.windrivers.com/images.../2005/03/1.gif
Just read the full article.
"The original post-landing scenario called for the probe to be packed up and driven with a convoy of armed guards to Houston’s Johnson Space Center in a truck."
Why on earth would they need armed guards for the convoy if it had survived? Were there THAT many scientists ready to fight for the material?
Did you see how they hoped to retrieve it a blooming hook on the back of a helicopter piloted by a stunt man.Boy they're looking more like the movie actors and less like competent scientists and engineers every mission.
When was the last time you were down in that part of Houston?Quote:
Originally Posted by paraflyer
Maybe they should ask UPS to deliver the next one from Mars at least they could claim on the insurance :rolleyes: :D
Or, they could ask the ESTES rocket folks for tips on how to install the parachutes. They work most of the time. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Archer
Quote:
Originally Posted by El_Squid
I'll bet they packed it too tight, I've had that happen a time or two with the ESTES'.
And the best part was you weren't out $650 million when it happened. https://forums.windrivers.com/images.../2005/03/1.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by imaeditedbysowulo
I was out a good bit of duct tape tho.Quote:
Originally Posted by El_Squid
https://forums.windrivers.com/images.../2004/09/1.jpg
The stuff which binds the Universe! https://forums.windrivers.com/images.../2005/03/1.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by imaeditedbysowulo
I wonder if the Beagle guys are having trouble keeping straight faces?
On the same wavelength as me then. As I was reading the article couldn't help but think this is how a hollywood world disaster movie could start.Quote:
Originally Posted by thorian
Do you want me to write the music score for your screen play?
Time to break out my copy of the Andromeda Strain and watch it again! https://forums.windrivers.com/images.../2005/03/1.gif
Actually, hooking the 'chute by helicopter (or even prop aircraft like a C130) has been old-hat since the 1960's.Quote:
Originally Posted by Archer
The idea originally was used by CIA/NSA types; spy satellites sent up with film to record ICBM sites and such, the satellite would re-enter atmosphere, then the 'chute would be hooked before the package ever touched ground. The idea beaing that someone on the ground could compromise the mission by finding and opening the film canisters, ruining the work.....or worse yet, selling the films to the "other side".
In fact, I believe that Alistair MacLean had written a story based on such espionage...can't recall the title, though.
Exactly what I was thinking. What a great book that was. The movie was one of the original sci-fi classics. Crichton showed his potential with that book.Quote:
Originally Posted by El_Squid
So, yeah: WTF is/was in that thing?
From the article: "Together, the charged atoms captured over 884 days on the capsule’s disks of gold, sapphire, diamond and silicone are no bigger than a few grains of salt ..."Quote:
Originally Posted by TripleRLtd
Wow! This could make a good background/origin story for a superhero character, as well. https://forums.windrivers.com/images.../2005/03/1.gif
The birth of Salty Gold, sapphire, diamond and silicone Man!Quote:
Originally Posted by El_Squid
Alright.... So exactly how far are you from the landing site? Is it time to start worrying about giant squids? Or, El_Nino_Squid?Quote:
Originally Posted by El_Squid
-wink-
Ever read any HP Lovecraft? When my name changes to Cthulhu and my location becomes Deep Rh'lyeha, start worrying. https://forums.windrivers.com/images.../2005/03/1.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by TripleRLtd
We already have units of giant squids stationed in the deep sea! If only those darn Humpback whales would stop eating them! https://forums.windrivers.com/images.../2005/03/1.gif
Yes the special forces also use this technique to pick up personnel in remote inaccessible regions by strapping them to a line with a helium balloon on the end.Quote:
Originally Posted by paraflyer
What I meant was the picture of the helicopter with the hook attached left something to be desired in the technology stakes given the cost of the endevour.
I think the whole helicopter with a stick routine was a last minute afterthought, as they did not think the parachute was going to slow it down enough to avoid damage. They were mostly right. https://forums.windrivers.com/images.../2005/03/1.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by Archer
Seeing as their head blokes were involved in the project, probably not.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff the Brit
WAAAAAAY off!Quote:
Originally Posted by jitBob
Gold, Diamond, and Sapphire...sounds like a female superhero to me....especially when you add the Silicone! :p
https://forums.windrivers.com/images.../2006/04/1.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by paraflyer
Weren't those the chics from American Gladiators?Quote:
Originally Posted by paraflyer