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Hack in Space

Posted by michael on from the paperclips-and-chewing-gum dept.

MelloDawg writes: "From the press release: NASA's Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) spacecraft, which some had given up for dead in December after critical guidance components failed, was returned to full operations when the team developed an innovative new guidance system. The system uses a complex new set of procedures that lets controllers use electromagnets in the satellite to push and pull on the Earth's magnetic field. Details of the mission are online."

10 of 162 comments (clear)

  1. The title by pcbob · · Score: 2, Funny

    made me proud of fellow lumberjacks. Imagine, hacking trees where no trees exist (sort of like BC, after clearcutting). Afterall, that is what all we Canaduhians think aboot, right :)

  2. So.... by Ooblek · · Score: 2, Funny

    Did they keep the ICBMs secret this time, or did it go haywire and start targetting the US again? Someone call Clint Eastwood and tell him to pack an overnight bag.

  3. So when it broke the first time... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    ... did they say it blew a FUSE?

  4. Powerful magnets by pacc · · Score: 2, Funny

    Some people objected to installing a potent soundsystem in a satellite, but the subwoofer saved the day.

    In space, noone can hear you scream.

  5. from the paperclips-and-chewing-gum dept? by Bnonn · · Score: 2, Funny

    What good are these things without duct tape?

  6. Yet Another Star Trek Moment by Ecyrd · · Score: 3, Funny
    Quote from the press release:

    To make up for the missing reaction wheels, scientists and engineers developed new sets of procedures and software that let them use equipment known as magnetic torquer bars in a new way. Controllers can generate local magnetic fields by running electric current through FUSE's three torquer bars, and can flip the polarity of these fields by changing the direction of current flow.

    So, reversing the polarity really DOES work! :-)
  7. Safe Mode by fruey · · Score: 2, Funny
    This automatically put the satellite into a pre-programmed "safe mode" configuration on December 10, 2001.

    Arrrgh! Bill is everywhere!

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  8. Safe mode?!?! by pinkUZI · · Score: 2, Funny

    This automatically put the satellite into a pre-programmed "safe mode" configuration on December 10, 2001.

    Don't tell me it's running Windows!

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  9. Re:Where to put angular momentum by heikkile · · Score: 3, Funny
    Magnetorquer [...]for the attitude-control of the satellite.

    Do they work on girlfriends as well?

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  10. Re:Where to put angular momentum by Alsee · · Score: 3, Funny

    Magnetorquer [...]for the attitude-control of the satellite.
    Do they work on girlfriends as well?

    This has been an extremely dificult question to answer. It could only be tested by someone who has one of each.

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