Satellites Mating Via Robotic Arm 91
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? "
rule 34 (Score:5, Funny)
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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.
"Check it?" (Score:1)
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That has rule 34 written all over.
WARNING: Parent link NSFW (Score:2, Informative)
The rule is: "Rule 34: If it exists there is porn of it. No exceptions."
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(Safe for work, not really safe to drink during)
That's sick! (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Mac Users Demand Anti-Windows Immigration Legis (Score:1)
obligatory in spaaaace (Score:2)
Robotic Arm? (Score:5, Funny)
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Rut-roh Rorge!
Internet? (Score:4, Funny)
The summary is mistaken (Score:5, Funny)
Why? (Score:2)
Heck, there is even a case of a doc getting a BJ from another doc, and it turned out that she saved the sperm on the side and impregnated herself. Later, she was able to sue him in court for paternal support.
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wrong metaphor (Score:3, Insightful)
I'm all for understanding scientific miracles of progress in mythical or reverential terms at *some* level, but this one doesn't really fly with me. I would describe it more as doctoring or healing.
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Check out the entry on Dictionary.com [reference.com]. If you look under verb, the entry numbered 15 says:
It is a perfectly valid use, and not a metaphor. That said... you can see what people here at /. are think about when the word "mating" is used.
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Surprising as it might be to the language experts on Slashdot, "mating" means things other than sex. Call a plumber and ask them what mated joints are. The satellites really are mating.
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tagged boycottroland (Score:5, Insightful)
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Much like Slashdot, eh?
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Unfortunate word choice (Score:2)
Does this qualify as a marital aid?
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Not as unfortunate as this "the first one servicing the other..."
Sounds like satellite husbandry.
Yeah well (Score:1)
Won't be used by anyone else... (Score:1)
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What does it mean? What does THAT mean? (Score:5, Insightful)
I don't know... what does it mean when an Airbus passenger jet needs help with a bad engine? That systems being built by the US to service their own flying hardware should also be set up to fix other countries'/consortiums' hardware? Would something designed by the European space entities/ventures be designed specifically to service both their stuff and everyone else's? Why is this question even being asked in this context? Oh, right... because it's flamebait, and that generates chit-chat, like this.
bow chicka wow wow (Score:1)
FINALLY! (Score:2, Funny)
The important question (Score:2)
I, for one... (Score:5, Funny)
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Robo Fisting (Score:1)
Why... (Score:3, Insightful)
Automated Rendezvous and Docking is an exciting field right now. Success of the Orbital Express mission is going to be a huge step forward (trying to be optimistic). The linked article looks pretty good. Space.com [space.com] also has a good story on it.
Yep, too easy sex jokes and the main point is lost (Score:2)
To get specific, GPS satellites fire thrusters about twice a year to keep their orbit the right inclination, a
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The submitter has traditionally posted stories pointing to his blog as a way of getting hits. Therefore, he's gotten into the habit of posting things in provocative ways. "Robot satellites share resources in space" won't quite get the number of hits and comments that "Satellites mating via robotic arm" will. The quality of discuss
Obligitary Futurama response (Score:2, Funny)
I give up (Score:3, Funny)
robot in space (Score:1)
http://www.gotdamnrekkids.com/Robot%20in%20Space.
Advanced Tehnology? (Score:1)
If my cellphone has a 3.2Mpx color camera built-in it, Why can't an expensive spacecraft like this have a decent COLOR camera?
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Stuck Here (Score:2)
you can't have a crew of mortal race;
'cause a hundred years from star to star
with a human crew is just too far.
Think of all the beer you'd have to bring,
not to mention...other necessities.
So you fill your ship with a robot crew,
you add a computer captain, too--
you get some experience for free,
from some old spacer's personality.
Like some shuttle pilot who's just learned from his last mistake.
So, you find some bloke who's halfway dead,
and you
Arm... (Score:1)
Could cause a known medical condition... (Score:1)
How long? (Score:1)