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Ariane 5 Deploys French Spy Satellite

Posted by michael on from the liberty-equality-surveillance dept.

Rolo Tomasi writes "An Ariane 5 rocket successfully put the French satellite Helios 2A into orbit today. The 4.2 ton spacecraft, which cost about one billion euros, will be used for surveillance by France and other European countries."

5 of 51 comments (clear)

  1. Options standard: by TeleoMan · · Score: 1, Troll

    Includes one (1) white flag permanently affixed to outside of vehicle.

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    $6.21 is the number of the beast before sales tax. Meh.
    1. Re:Options standard: by saden1 · · Score: -1, Troll

      Along with fabulous coat of paint with an engraving that reads "We surrender."

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      One is born into aristocracy, but mediocrity can only be achieved through hard work.
  2. ....hmmm... by roseblood · · Score: 0, Troll

    A spy satelite? So the French have a greater lead time in their surrender preperations?

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    There are lies, damned lies, and statistics.
    1. Re:....hmmm... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

      Well, you don't want to just surrender haphazardly, if you can avoid it.

      A good surrender takes years of planning. The French were caught off guard in WWII. They won't make that mistake again. This time around, they'll have a plan in place.

      Speaking of which, if the U.S. ever invades France, I say we officially change their national flag to a white sheet.

  3. In space there is no up or down... by Bastard+of+Subhumani · · Score: -1, Troll

    In space there is no up or down. So how will they know which direction to put their hands? Ah, maybe that explains why it's unmanned.

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    Only three things are certain; death, taxes, and apocryphal quotations - Ben Franklin.