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Cassini Probe Has Camera Problems

Posted by chrisd on from the chris-knight-school-of-optics-clarity dept.

xX_sticky_Xx writes "The BBC is reporting that the last billion dollar NASA probe, Cassini, (enroute to Saturn) is suffering from an unknown source of contamination on its narrow field camera. NASA has attempted to alleviate the contamination, which is causing a haze to appear around images, by "defrosting" it, with so far limited success. Another attempt will be made in January. If this problem can't be resolved this will be extremely disappointing. Cassini is set to expand our knowledge of Saturn more than Galileo did for Jupiter."

8 of 142 comments (clear)

  1. Wipers? by mberman · · Score: 1, Funny

    Maybe it's time to start intalling windshield wipers on spacecraft?

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    This is a self-referential sig

    1. Re:Wipers? by xinit · · Score: 2, Funny
      Unfortunately, that was an optional feature and they opted not to install the wipers at the factory, planning to get an after market add-on.

      See, the factory version would have added $5.7 million to the before tax cost, and this guy on the project knew a guy whose brother found the exact same component at a flea market for $10. NASA's trying to come in closer to budget now, after all, so...

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      --- http://foo.ca
  2. Re:Screwed by I.T.R.A.R.K. · · Score: 0, Funny
    And I will be hiding inside the Salvation Army donation box awaiting your bountiful harvest!

    - I throw rocks at retarded kids

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    "Adequacy.org: Where congenital stupidity is not an option, but a requirement."

  3. Lens cap... by arsaspe · · Score: 5, Funny

    In news today, Nasa scientists spent all last week trying to find the source of the contaminant on the Lens. After many hours of brainstorming, one of the engineers spilt coffee on a button labeled "Lens Cap". Shortly after, the camera apeared to be functioning correctly. Head NASA Scientists are trying to work out the function of this "Lens Cap" button, but the British designer of the button cannot be contacted, and Nasa officials are still unsure what has happened.

    1. Re:Lens cap... by bfuutctk · · Score: 2, Funny

      roflmao.

      The function of the "Lens Cap" button has now been determined by Nasa officials. It appears to be an emergency overide to remove the Lens protection device in the event of a failure to remove it automaticly. When asked why the Cover failed to be removed in the first place, the Nasa spokesperson told us that instead of making the cover 6" wide, the manufacturing company made the cover 6cm wide instead, and it was a very tight fit.

  4. January's too soon... by Carl+Jacobsen · · Score: 3, Funny

    it'll still be winter -- if we waited 'til spring and maybe it'd thaw out on its own.

  5. something really needs to be done by mj6798 · · Score: 5, Funny

    This just keeps happening--the Vogon interstellar starliners keep illegally flushing their toilets into space in the vicinity of solar systems. I think we should file a complaint with the local authorities on Alpha Centauri.

  6. Return of the Dreaded... by Myriad · · Score: 2, Funny
    Oh no! It's sounds like the return of the dreaded space fungus that was eating Mir!

    Seriously though, one wonders if this could be even remotely related. I doubt it highly, but it is an interesting thought...

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    "They do not preach that their god will rouse them, a little before the Nuts work loose." Kipling, 'The Sons of Martha'