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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.'"
...that the spin rate screwup is the official story, but what really happened is that a laser from NASA's Mars Odyessy probe took it out before the European probe took pictures of faces and canals and crystal cities that would have been outside the control of the Majestic 12 group.