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Galileo's Final Blaze of Glory

Posted by timothy on from the what-a-way-to-go dept.

EccentricAnomaly writes: "CNN reports that the Galileo spacecraft is about to perform its last flyby of Io. Galileo will skim a mere 100 km above Io to enter a trajectory that crashes into Jupiter in 2003. This is to avoid the spacecraft running out of fuel and accidentally crashing into Europa which might contaminate it with any bacteria spores on Galileo. This is a real concern - Apollo 12 found bacteria on Surveyor 3 that survived two and a half years on the moon."

6 of 275 comments (clear)

  1. Pollution by joebp · · Score: 4, Funny
    It's extremely good that they're being so careful and sensitive with other planets/their moons. The worst thing we could do is pollute everywhere, limiting our options when we finally give up raping this planet.

    I just wish mankind could be this careful with its native planet.

    (mod me as you will...)

  2. Somebody has to say this by Mik!tAAt · · Score: 5, Funny

    Sorry, couldn't help myself:

    All these worlds are yours - except Europa. Attempt no landings there.

    (This should be all caps, damn the lameness filter!)

    --
    This is the place where you write something that will make you seem like a complete idiot.
  3. Re:Think BIG by Tipsy+McStagger · · Score: 4, Funny

    We were warned not to touch Europa.

  4. Earth First! by wiredog · · Score: 4, Funny

    We can strip mine the rest later...

    --

    Best Slashdot Co
  5. Those damn Earthlings are at it again! by sinistermidget · · Score: 5, Funny

    From: drizva@spacedefence.jupiter
    To: pcachvoorsnrt@spacedefense.mars

    Dear colleague,

    We have recently become aware that those naughty Earthlings from the third planet are planning yet another attack on the solar system.

    As you are well aware, those nasty Earth people have sent a number of projectiles slamming into your peaceful planet over the last few solar cycles. These atacks have become more sophisticated and have been increasing in numbers over time.

    It now appears that a nuclear armed projectile that has been spying on our planetary system will be sent plunging into our atmosphere. The consequences of this act are grave and disturbing to say the least.

    As a result of this latest attack, please be advised that we will be redirecting several asteroids from the main artillary field located between our two planets past your peaceful red planet toward the third planet in order to send a firm message to the Earthlings.

    You will be happy to learn that once we have obliterated the Earth, you will then have an unobscured view of Venus.

    Best Regards,

    Drizva

  6. If that's what will happen... by roystgnr · · Score: 5, Funny

    Is it too late to make this load of bacteria a little more intelligent?