Simulations May Explain Loss of Beagle 2 Mars Probe 98
chrb writes "Researchers at Queensland University have used computer simulations to calculate that the loss of the US$80 million British Beagle 2 Mars probe was due to a bad choice of spin rate during atmospheric entry, resulting in the craft burning up within seconds. The chosen spin rate was calculated by using a bridging function to estimate the transitional forces between the upper and lower atmosphere, while the new research relies on simulation models. Beagle 2 team leader Professor Colin Pillinger has responded saying that the figures are far from conclusive, while another chief Beagle engineer has said 'We still think we got it right.'"
Re:How weird (Score:5, Funny)
In Doctor's terms: The operation was a success, but the patient died.
Hah! They're just trying to hide the fact... (Score:4, Funny)
.... that The Transformers got it.
They where told to report it as a complete loss (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Come on, it's british (Score:4, Funny)
Name a one thing British ever made right.
Canada.
Ummmmm..... (Score:3, Funny)
"Beagle 2 team leader Professor Colin Pillinger has responded saying that the figures are far from conclusive, while another chief Beagle engineer has said 'We still think we got it right.'"
-So they really *did* intend to burn the craft up on re-entry? If they did, what's all the hubbub about?
Re:How weird (Score:4, Funny)
Are you talking to me?
Re:Come on, it's british (Score:3, Funny)
Dji Ingliti langwij and haw it iz speld.
Re:Crazy talk (Score:3, Funny)
LOL, that's so BDUF [wikipedia.org], are you still in the 1980s?
The landing wasn't a failure, just the first iteration using an agile methodology. They'll get there in the next scrimmage. Or something.
Re:Bridging function? (Score:2, Funny)
It's The Name (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Come on, it's british (Score:5, Funny)
Okay, okay. Besides railways, television, the electric motor, the flushing toilet, steam engines, computers, seed drills, tanks, custards, cat flaps, jet engines, world wide web and penicillin; what have the British ever done for us?
How could you leave off Monty Python?
Re:Bridging function? (Score:2, Funny)
b = guess(a)