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Author Topic: Simulations May Explain Loss of Beagle 2 Mars Probe  (Read 1120 times)

Offline sam

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Simulations May Explain Loss of Beagle 2 Mars Probe
« on: December 19, 2008, 10:29 »
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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.'

http://science.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08%2F12%2F19%2F0210240&from=rss
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Offline Simon

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Re: Simulations May Explain Loss of Beagle 2 Mars Probe
« Reply #1 on: December 19, 2008, 11:37 »
So, that explains it!  ;)
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Offline Clive

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Re: Simulations May Explain Loss of Beagle 2 Mars Probe
« Reply #2 on: December 19, 2008, 13:45 »
Colin Pillinger is a joke.  Sorry.   :(
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