Who forgot to pack the chute on the space probe

[corturbra]

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.

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.

Do you want me to write the music score for your screen play?

[El_Squid]

Time to break out my copy of the Andromeda Strain and watch it again!

[paraflyer]

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.

Actually, hooking the 'chute by helicopter (or even prop aircraft like a C130) has been old-hat since the 1960's.

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.

[TripleRLtd]

Time to break out my copy of the Andromeda Strain and watch it again!

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.
So, yeah: WTF is/was in that thing?

[El_Squid]

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.
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 ..."

Wow! This could make a good background/origin story for a superhero character, as well.

[jitBob]

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 ..."

Wow! This could make a good background/origin story for a superhero character, as well.

The birth of Salty Gold, sapphire, diamond and silicone Man!

[TripleRLtd]

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 ..."

Wow! This could make a good background/origin story for a superhero character, as well.

Alright.... So exactly how far are you from the landing site? Is it time to start worrying about giant squids? Or, El_Nino_Squid?
-wink-

[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?
-wink-

Ever read any HP Lovecraft? When my name changes to Cthulhu and my location becomes Deep Rh'lyeha, start worrying.

We already have units of giant squids stationed in the deep sea! If only those darn Humpback whales would stop eating them!

[Archer]

Actually, hooking the 'chute by helicopter (or even prop aircraft like a C130) has been old-hat since the 1960's.
.

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.
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.

[El_Squid]

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.
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.

[Outcoded]

I wonder if the Beagle guys are having trouble keeping straight faces?

Seeing as their head blokes were involved in the project, probably not.

[paraflyer]

The birth of Salty Gold, sapphire, diamond and silicone Man!

WAAAAAAY off!

Gold, Diamond, and Sapphire...sounds like a female superhero to me....especially when you add the Silicone!

[El_Squid]

WAAAAAAY off!

Gold, Diamond, and Sapphire...sounds like a female superhero to me....especially when you add the Silicone!

[thirdfey]

WAAAAAAY off!

Gold, Diamond, and Sapphire...sounds like a female superhero to me....especially when you add the Silicone!

Weren't those the chics from American Gladiators?