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Mars Express Successfully Deploys First Boom

Psiolent writes "As reported yesterday, the Mars Express team is beginning the antenna deployment process. The BBC reports that the satellite has successfully deployed the first boom of the primary antenna. The article also states that 'the mood amongst instrument team members is now said to be positive, following the problem-free deployment of the first boom.' The second boom of the primary antenna is scheduled to be deployed Sunday."

11 of 116 comments (clear)

  1. Wasn't really much of a boom, really by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    More like a kind of a muffled thump

    1. Re:Wasn't really much of a boom, really by Cougem · · Score: 2, Funny

      In space, no one can hear you boom.

    2. Re:Wasn't really much of a boom, really by SilentChris · · Score: 2, Funny

      Does it really make sense to use the word "boom" when referring to the Mars missions nowadays? Wouldn't it be better PR to say "Hey, it worked! Onto stage 2!" instead of "we've completed the boom"?

  2. but.... by eobanb · · Score: 4, Funny

    there was supposed to be an Earth-shattering ka-BOOM!

    --

    Take off every sig. For great justice.

  3. Re:Reported Yesterday? by NanoGator · · Score: 4, Funny

    "Offtopic my ass."

    Sorry, there wasn't a "Who gives a flying fuck?" option.

    --
    "Derp de derp."
  4. Stay tuned folks... by uberdave · · Score: 2, Funny

    At 1530 BST on Wednesday, a command was sent to release the boom, which forms one half of Marsis' primary antenna.

    The primary antenna's second boom is now due to be deployed on Sunday.


    Stay tuned folks. We'll find out late next week whether today's boom deployment will have been successful.

  5. Re:Reported Yesterday? by NanoGator · · Score: 2, Funny

    " I don't know why I would expect the editors to get dates correct, 'tis only Slashdot."

    I don't know why Slashdot Editors are held to a standard they have never EVER reached. 'Tis a strange world you live in.

    --
    "Derp de derp."
  6. Happy Scientists by bloglogic · · Score: 2, Funny

    'the mood amongst instrument team members is now said to be positive' I can just picture them spinning the propellers on their beanies.

  7. Antenna salute by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    At Mars Express control center: "Gentleman, we have full erection, I repeat, we have full primary antenna erection. "

  8. No boom today... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Boom yesterday. Always was a boom yesterday.

  9. Mars Empress Successufly Deploys First Bomb by AndyChrist · · Score: 2, Funny

    Now the Earthlings will feel the wrath of the Martians!