2 Galileo Satellites Launched To Wrong Orbit

As reported by the BBC, two satellites meant to form part of the EU's Galileo global positioning network have been launched into a wrong, lower orbit, and it is unclear whether they can be salvaged. NASASpaceFlight.com has a more detailed account of the launch, which says [D]espite the Arianespace webcast noting no issue with the launch, it was later admitted the satellites were lofted into the wrong orbit. “Following the announcement made by Arianespace on the anomalies of the orbit injection of the Galileo satellites, the teams of industries and agencies involved in the early operations of the satellites are investigating the potential implications on the mission,” noted a short statement, many hours after the event. It is unlikely the satellites can be eased into their correct orbit, even with a large extension to their transit time. However, ESA are not classing the satellites as lost at this time. “Both satellites have been acquired and are safely controlled and operated from ESOC, ESA’s Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany,” the Agency added. Over the course of the next "year or so," an additional 24 satellites are slated to complete the Galileo constellation, to be launched by a mixed slate of Ariane and Soyuz rockets.

Re:Proves point

[just_a_monkey]

Using alien technology. To film it in a Hollywood basement.

Re:Enter our contest

[TWX]

Everyone said I was daft to build a duplicate global positioning system, but I built in all the same, just to show them. It fell from orbit and sank into the swamp. So I built a second one. That fell from orbit and sank into the swamp. So I built a third. That exploded, fell from orbit, burned on re-entry, then sank into the swamp. But the fourth one stayed up.

Re:Proves point

[TWX]

Would I have married her otherwise?

Stupid metric system

[Lawrence_Bird]

if they had used Engrish units this never would have happened.

Re:Proves point

[Anonymous Coward]

Sufficiently advanced stupidity is indistinguishable from malice, especially where large institutions are involved.

Re:Stupid metric system

[sound+vision]

What a load of rubbish. Fahrenheit degrees are intuitive for those who grew up with them.

Re:Proves point

[Yoda222]

Then If you want space done right go retired American vehicles