billvon 3,120 #1 November 17, 2011 So there's this big Russian space probe that was Mars-bound, but didn't make its first burn after separation from its booster - so it's now stuck in a low Earth orbit. It has until December to be able to restore operation and still make it to Mars (more accurately Phobos) and it has until Jan or Feb until it re-enters. It's full of fuel and some _might_ make it to the ground, but this probe is a little unique in that it has a sample return canister designed to survive re-entry - so some of it is almost guaranteed to make it back. Also interesting is that since 1960 not a single Russian probe to Mars has succeeded - and they've tried 17 times. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muff528 3 #2 November 18, 2011 Quote So there's this big Russian space probe that was Mars-bound, but didn't make its first burn after separation from its booster - so it's now stuck in a low Earth orbit. It has until December to be able to restore operation and still make it to Mars (more accurately Phobos) and it has until Jan or Feb until it re-enters. It's full of fuel and some _might_ make it to the ground, but this probe is a little unique in that it has a sample return canister designed to survive re-entry - so some of it is almost guaranteed to make it back. Also interesting is that since 1960 not a single Russian probe to Mars has succeeded - and they've tried 17 times. I see that NASA is now seeking candidates for astronaut training. "NASA, the world's leader in space and aeronautics is always seeking outstanding scientists, engineers, and other talented professionals to carry forward the great discovery process that its mission demands. Creativity. Ambition. Teamwork. A sense of daring. And a probing mind. That's what it takes to join NASA, one of the best places to work in the Federal Government." Of course, as an employee of "the world's leader in space and aeronautics" you'll have to catch a ride with #2. Low earth orbit is high enough for ISS. (ass, grass or gas ....nobody rides free!) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
champu 1 #3 November 18, 2011 If my left eye was correctable to 20/20 (and I spoke Russian) I'd be a shoe in for that job. Also, regarding Roscosmos's wavering soil return mission, I do hope they get that back on track. And in a similar vain, best of luck to MSL which will be sent on it's way next weekend. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #4 November 18, 2011 What's the Russian vs US failure to launch record? Isn't it more or less the same for Earth orbit launches? Why would Mars missions be specifically "cursed" for them? Weird.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,151 #5 November 18, 2011 QuoteWhat's the Russian vs US failure to launch record? Isn't it more or less the same for Earth orbit launches? Why would Mars missions be specifically "cursed" for them? Weird. Because the Martians live in NYC and southern Cal.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiver30960 0 #6 November 18, 2011 QuoteWhat's the Russian vs US failure to launch record? Isn't it more or less the same for Earth orbit launches? Why would Mars missions be specifically "cursed" for them? Weird. It is odd the Reds can't reach the Red Planet. Proof that vodka is not a viable rocket fuel? Elvisio "insert groans here" Rodriguez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
champu 1 #7 November 18, 2011 Getting to LEO is the first part. Going anywhere else involves much more complex mission engineering, less straight-forward power subsystems, more complex propulsion, more difficult communications, and crappier space weather environments. It's not much of a surprise that all nations that have tried their hand at traipsing around the solar system have had their fair share of failures. The Russians have had much better luck with Venus missions though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riddler 0 #8 November 19, 2011 QuoteProof that vodka is not a viable rocket fuel? More like bad luck. The Russians successfully landed 10 vehicles on Venus, something the US has not done at all (discounting one probe from the Pioneer Venus 2).Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sacex250 0 #9 November 20, 2011 QuoteMore like bad luck. The Russians successfully landed 10 vehicles on Venus, something the US has not done at all (discounting one probe from the Pioneer Venus 2). 1) Yeah, but they were just going the wrong way! Those were all failed Mars missions! 2) They really thought beautiful women would be there. 3) Bad luck isn't an excuse for using Vodka as rocket fuel.It's all been said before, no sense repeating it here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,120 #10 November 20, 2011 >3) Bad luck isn't an excuse for using Vodka as rocket fuel. Well, heck, NASA wants to use farts for its first Mars mission. (The return stage at least.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiver30960 0 #11 November 21, 2011 Quote Well, heck, NASA wants to use farts for its first Mars mission. (The return stage at least.) FINALLY! A government agency embraces a renewable energy source. Elvisio "how do cows handle weightlessness?" Rodriguez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
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