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2 Galileo Satellites Launched To Wrong Orbit

As reported by the BBC, two satellites meant to form part of the EU's Galileo global positioning network have been launched into a wrong, lower orbit, and it is unclear whether they can be salvaged. NASASpaceFlight.com has a more detailed account of the launch, which says [D]espite the Arianespace webcast noting no issue with the launch, it was later admitted the satellites were lofted into the wrong orbit. “Following the announcement made by Arianespace on the anomalies of the orbit injection of the Galileo satellites, the teams of industries and agencies involved in the early operations of the satellites are investigating the potential implications on the mission,” noted a short statement, many hours after the event. It is unlikely the satellites can be eased into their correct orbit, even with a large extension to their transit time. However, ESA are not classing the satellites as lost at this time. “Both satellites have been acquired and are safely controlled and operated from ESOC, ESA’s Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany,” the Agency added. Over the course of the next "year or so," an additional 24 satellites are slated to complete the Galileo constellation, to be launched by a mixed slate of Ariane and Soyuz rockets.

7 of 140 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Proves point by just_a_monkey · · Score: 4, Funny

    Using alien technology. To film it in a Hollywood basement.

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    How inappropriate to call this planet Earth, when clearly it is Ocean.
  2. Re:Enter our contest by TWX · · Score: 5, Funny

    Everyone said I was daft to build a duplicate global positioning system, but I built in all the same, just to show them. It fell from orbit and sank into the swamp. So I built a second one. That fell from orbit and sank into the swamp. So I built a third. That exploded, fell from orbit, burned on re-entry, then sank into the swamp. But the fourth one stayed up.

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    Do not look into laser with remaining eye.
  3. Re:Proves point by TWX · · Score: 4, Funny

    Would I have married her otherwise?

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    Do not look into laser with remaining eye.
  4. Stupid metric system by Lawrence_Bird · · Score: 4, Funny

    if they had used Engrish units this never would have happened.

    1. Re:Stupid metric system by sound+vision · · Score: 1, Funny

      What a load of rubbish. Fahrenheit degrees are intuitive for those who grew up with them.

  5. Re:Proves point by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Sufficiently advanced stupidity is indistinguishable from malice, especially where large institutions are involved.

  6. Re:Proves point by Yoda222 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Then If you want space done right go retired American vehicles