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Mars Flier Prototype

Posted by michael on from the add-paperclip-on-nose-for-stability dept.

SEWilco writes "BBC News reports that a full-scale prototype of a Mars flier will be built. The ARES glider will unfold in midair for a mission which may cover 850 km (528 miles). I wonder if its huge wings would allow it to be tossed back in the air by a storm in that thin air, although probably not by "winds of a few m/sec"."

6 of 99 comments (clear)

  1. Here we go by Manhigh · · Score: 1, Funny

    Insert token wisecrack about English/Metric conversion here

    --
    "Open the pod by doors, Hal" > "I'm afraid I can't do that, Dave" sudo "Open the pod bay doors, Hal" > alright
  2. m/sec? by pdbogen · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...What is that in furlongs/tick, again?

    1. Re:m/sec? by bj8rn · · Score: 3, Funny

      1 m/s ~= 40 attoparsecs/microfortnight. Maybe this helps with the conversion.

      --
      Hell is not other people; it is yourself. - Ludwig Wittgenstein
  3. great concept by The+Tyro · · Score: 2, Funny

    seems like a great idea, and a superb way to survey more of the mars surface.

    Let's face it, satellites only get you so much resolution (look at the recent US military campaign)... drones and gliders have the potential to give us better pictures.

    I just hope they do some rarefied atmosphere wind-tunnel testing; would be embarassing to have this thing plunge to the surface because someone was expecting an earthlike atmosphere...

    Yeah, yeah, I know they'll test for it... but after that supposed metric/english conversion error... really makes you want to micromanage.

    --
    Even if a man chops off your hand with a sword, you still have two nice, sharp bones to stick in his eyes.
  4. Can't wait to see the pics... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    when this thing lands and G.W. Bush, in full combat flight suit, steps off to greet the smiling Martian press...

  5. patriotic design by daniel23 · · Score: 2, Funny


    Yeah, must be meant to frighten marsian terrorists. Anyway, should it fail and drop to the ground like a stone it may still serve to claim all of the mars as an us colony.

    ~dp

    --
    605413? Yes, it's a prime.