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Satellites Mating Via Robotic Arm

Roland Piquepaille writes "The launch of the Orbital Express mission, with its two satellites ASTRO and NextSat, the first one servicing the other, was widely covered a month ago. But what is happening in space now? In 'Robotic satellite servicer rehearsal underway in orbit,' Spaceflight Now reports about the progress done. A week ago, the two satellites were able to link to each other to operate the first transfer of hydrazine fuel from ASTRO's propellant tanks into NextSat. This weekend, ASTRO's ten-foot-long robotic arm is going to be used to move objects to NextSat. But what does it mean for international satellite operators when they need help with their space birds? Will they use a system designed for U.S.'s DARPA? "

15 of 91 comments (clear)

  1. rule 34 by Lehk228 · · Score: 5, Funny

    does this qualify as rule 34?

    --
    Snowden and Manning are heroes.
    1. Re:rule 34 by MobileTatsu-NJG · · Score: 2, Funny

      "does this qualify as rule 34?"

      Space Corp Directive #34 clearly states that no officers are to engage in oral sex while wearing dentures. I'm sorry sir, but I don't see how this applies to the situation.

      --

      "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)

    2. Re:rule 34 by nick_davison · · Score: 3, Funny

      Indeed it does. And YouTube apparently has the video.

      (Safe for work, not really safe to drink during)

  2. That's sick! by Xymor · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm gonna post that on 4chan.

  3. Robotic Arm? by jlindy · · Score: 5, Funny

    Sounds like their more at the foreplay stage.

  4. Internet? by qbwiz · · Score: 3, Funny

    But what does it mean for international website operators when they need help to deliver their content? Will they use a system designed for U.S.'s DARPA?

    --
    Ewige Blumenkraft.
  5. The summary is mistaken by MutantHamster · · Score: 5, Funny

    If you do it with your arm it's not technically "mating."

    --
    My Greatest Heist - Muisc partly inspired by the unbeatable Qwantz
    1. Re:The summary is mistaken by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      "I did not have sex with that satellite."

    2. Re:The summary is mistaken by fishthegeek · · Score: 2, Funny

      Congratulations! You have just dashed the last hope of many of us here! I hope you're happy!

      --
      load "$",8,1
  6. Re:wrong metaphor by dave420 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Well, they're not doing much, so they're kind of just fucking with each other. I guess that's why they said "mating".

  7. FINALLY! by Wiarumas · · Score: 2, Funny

    FINALLY... my fetish has come true! Those pics were so HOT!

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    I will bend like a reed in the wind.
  8. I, for one... by Wilson_6500 · · Score: 4, Funny

    ... am not going to make the obvious robot jokes.

  9. Obligitary Futurama response by hack++slash · · Score: 2, Funny

    "I don't want people thinking we're robosexuals, so if anybody asks, you're my debugger." - Bender

    --
    To do something right, you often have to roll up your sleeves and get busy.
  10. I give up by illegalcortex · · Score: 2, Funny

    Well, that's it, then. Even orbital satellites are getting more action than I am.

  11. Re:Won't be used by anyone else... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Yeah, rather disappointing...