Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Oct 19, 2004 21:08:47 GMT -6
This was posted on the "Spacepeople" yahoo group. If you read the NASA explanation carefully, it actually states what this astute individual points out!...
Summary - (Oct 15, 2004)
NASA investigators think they might have a potential reason why the Genesis sample return
capsule failed to deploy its parachute as it entered the Earth's atmosphere a few weeks ago. It could be that there was a design error with a switch that was supposed to detect when the capsule was decelerating into the atmosphere. It should have deployed the drogue parachute and parafoil, but it failed to do so. The investigation board hasn't ruled out other causes, though, and will probably release its final report in late November.
From the abstract:
> The MIB, analyzing the Genesis capsule at a facility near
Denver,
> said the likely cause was a design error that involves the
> orientation of gravity-switch devices.
Translation: They mounted the accelerometer upside-down!
Incompetence runs rampant at NASA. I say again.....O'Keefe must go.
If it wern't a shame on the failure, it would be funny.
Summary - (Oct 15, 2004)
NASA investigators think they might have a potential reason why the Genesis sample return
capsule failed to deploy its parachute as it entered the Earth's atmosphere a few weeks ago. It could be that there was a design error with a switch that was supposed to detect when the capsule was decelerating into the atmosphere. It should have deployed the drogue parachute and parafoil, but it failed to do so. The investigation board hasn't ruled out other causes, though, and will probably release its final report in late November.
From the abstract:
> The MIB, analyzing the Genesis capsule at a facility near
Denver,
> said the likely cause was a design error that involves the
> orientation of gravity-switch devices.
Translation: They mounted the accelerometer upside-down!
Incompetence runs rampant at NASA. I say again.....O'Keefe must go.
If it wern't a shame on the failure, it would be funny.
