Could a Dirty Rag Take Out a $2 Billion Satellite? 297
An anonymous reader writes "The alleged rescue of a U.S. military communications satellite underscores some of the weaknesses in U.S. space efforts. Quoting: 'The seven-ton “AEHF-1,” part of a planned six-satellite constellation meant to support radio communication between far-flung U.S. military units, had been in orbit just one day when the problems began. The satellite started out in a highly-elliptical, temporary orbit. The plan was to use the spacecraft’s on-board engine to boost it to a permanent, geo-stationary orbit. But when the Air Force space operators at Los Angeles Air Force Base activated the engine, nothing happened. The Government Accountability Office would later blame the failure on a rag left inside a fuel line by a Lockheed worker.'"
anything can take out a satellite (Score:5, Funny)
That's why it's rocket science.
Re:Hmm...scale does not compute. (Score:5, Funny)
Send up some Midol? (Score:5, Funny)
So, the problem is the satellite is 'on the rag'?
Re:Lots of failures there. (Score:5, Funny)
XXI century new space programs motto : It's failures all the way down, man!
Re:The answer appears to be a yes. (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Lockheed gonna get sued? (Score:5, Funny)
Yes, the gov't will have to pay for that space-rag now. Lockheed forgot to bill them for it.
Re:Lockheed gonna get sued? (Score:5, Funny)
Yes, the gov't will have to pay for that space-rag now. Lockheed forgot to bill them for it.
The bill also included the fines levied by the TSA for failing to file an export declariation on the space rag.
Check the logs? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Lockheed gonna get sued? (Score:5, Funny)
TFA states that they are seeking compensation from Lockheed. Hopefully, that'll happen without an actual suit.
That would be quite the space suit.
Re:Blowing out lines with air... (Score:3, Funny)