Simulations May Explain Loss of Beagle 2 Mars Probe

chrb writes "Researchers at Queensland University have used computer simulations to calculate that the loss of the US$80 million British Beagle 2 Mars probe was due to a bad choice of spin rate during atmospheric entry, resulting in the craft burning up within seconds. The chosen spin rate was calculated by using a bridging function to estimate the transitional forces between the upper and lower atmosphere, while the new research relies on simulation models. Beagle 2 team leader Professor Colin Pillinger has responded saying that the figures are far from conclusive, while another chief Beagle engineer has said 'We still think we got it right.'"

Comments

Re:How weird

[davester666]

In Doctor's terms: The operation was a success, but the patient died.

Hah! They're just trying to hide the fact...

[master811]

.... that The Transformers got it.

They where told to report it as a complete loss

[Scoldog]

In fact, it broadcast 13 seconds of footage. It can be viewed here. http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=wFvUdt9BQhU

Re:Come on, it's british

[knutkracker]

Name a one thing British ever made right.

Canada.

Ummmmm.....

[IHC Navistar]

"Beagle 2 team leader Professor Colin Pillinger has responded saying that the figures are far from conclusive, while another chief Beagle engineer has said 'We still think we got it right.'"

-So they really *did* intend to burn the craft up on re-entry? If they did, what's all the hubbub about?

Re:How weird

[edittard]

Seriously, are pronouns that confusing for you?

Are you talking to me?

Re:Come on, it's british

[edittard]

Name a one thing british ever made right.

Dji Ingliti langwij and haw it iz speld.

Re:Crazy talk

[Hognoxious]

but shouldn't you do the computer simulations BEFORE sending the $80m craft on it's way?

LOL, that's so BDUF, are you still in the 1980s?

The landing wasn't a failure, just the first iteration using an agile methodology. They'll get there in the next scrimmage. Or something.

Re:Bridging function?

[zbharucha]

It's one of these: http://www.sciencecartoonsplus.com/images/miracle3.gif

It's The Name

[BB128]

This is clearly a matter of an unfortunate choice of names. Naming it "beagle" was clearly asking it to wander off and get lost. Any beagle owner will be able to attest to this.

Re:Come on, it's british

[El Yanqui]

Railways. Television. Electric motor. Flushing toilet. Steam engine & locomotive. Computer. Seed drill. Tank. Custard. Cat flap. Jet engine. World wide web. Penicillin.

Okay, okay. Besides railways, television, the electric motor, the flushing toilet, steam engines, computers, seed drills, tanks, custards, cat flaps, jet engines, world wide web and penicillin; what have the British ever done for us?

How could you leave off Monty Python?

Re:Bridging function?

[Tablizer]

[What is a bridging function?] The intervening region [of atmosphere] is probably not that well covered by available data, so some sort of function must be guessed to fill-in the gap

    b = guess(a)