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Spaceballs Could Invade Mars

Byteme writes: "CNN reports giant tethered inflatable balls that are being developed by NASA as a potential alternative to the unsuccessful roving robots. The balls apparently will inflate and deflate to catch favorable wind directs and to stop on location. Not quite the fast, cheap and out-of-control solution... but it could be fun to watch!" I wonder if there are any MPEGs of the test this article talks about -- it sounds pretty fun to watch.

5 of 194 comments (clear)

  1. Spaceballs! by flikx · · Score: 4, Funny

    Aw shit, there goes the planet!

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    One future, two choices. Oppose them or let them destroy us.
  2. And in today's headlines... by dmatos · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...Martians across the globe are boarding up their windows, in anticipation of the thousands of so-called "soccer hooligans" on their way to see the semi-final match.

    Residents are advised to stay off the streets, and if meeting one of these British soccer fans, not to claim loyalty to any particular team.

    Well, at least it's innovative. Gotta admit that.

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    It may look like I'm doing nothing, but I'm actively waiting for my problems to go away.
    --Scott Adams
  3. I wonder if there are any MPEGs of the test by anotherone · · Score: 4, Funny
    I wonder if there are any MPEGs of the test this article talks about -- it sounds pretty fun to watch.
    Well, Morpheous lists 129 video matches for "spaceballs", so I guess so. Get downloading!
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  4. Makes for some bad PR though... by moniker_21 · · Score: 5, Funny

    I like the idea of a sperical object not having to worry about getting hung up on rocks and all, but what are they going to announce?

    "We have successfully landed our balls on Mars!"

    and in a notoriously bad quote

    "Remote vehicle landing specialist John Doe says he feels so lucky to have his job in that he gets to play with NASA's balls everyday."

    Sorry, but that just sounds wrong.

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  5. I can see it now by CptnKirk · · Score: 4, Funny

    NASA builds this huge ball that can roll over anything. Packs it with cameras and sensors. Launches the thing from way behind the three point line, and gets it to Mars. Only then do they realize the ball is opaque!