NASA calls off next Mars mission; no time to fix leaky seal

Associated Press ^ | Dec 22, 2015 5:54 PM EST | Mike Schneider

[Olog-hai]

NASA is calling off its next mission to Mars because there isn't enough time to fix a leaky seal on a key science instrument.

The InSight spacecraft was set for launch in March. The problem is with a protective pouch around the lander's seismometer, which was designed to measure ground movement on the red planet.

NASA managers and French designers of the instrument said Tuesday they must now decide whether the pouch's vacuum seal needs to be repaired, redesigned or the mission scrapped. ...

[JennysCool]

Thank God there’s still time for “Muslim Outreach”!

[ClearCase_guy]

“Tony Stark built this from a box of scraps!! ... in a cave!!!”

Well, NASA clearly isn’t Tony Stark.

[Paladin2]

Seals have a pouch?

[ClearCase_guy]

Marsupial seals.

Incontinent marsupial seals.

[Paladin2]

Darn those Seal Mills pumping out genetically weak baby seals.

[mrsmith]

John Carter: “Tardos Mors it is a cannister containing seal urine, and a dead seal. Sent here at great effort and expense.”
Dejah Thoris: “But John Carter how could your planet send us such a ... gift?”
John Carter: “I guess they didn’t check if the seal leaked.”

[Cyman]

But what about Mark Watney?

[DannyTN]

[rawcatslyentist]

Of course they don’t have time. They’re too busy banging their head on the floor and sniffing hiney 5x a day!

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

Maybe they can fix it with a head scarf.

[HonkyTonkMan]

"A redesign of the part could make the 2018 opportunity unlikely since it could take up to five years."

hang in there Buzz!

[UCANSEE2]

"NASA managers and French designers of the instrument said Tuesday they must now decide whether the pouch's vacuum seal needs to be repaired, redesigned or the mission scrapped. .."

[PAR35]

Maybe the seal got hit a glancing blow by a Canadian Club while it was a baby. The seal survived, but now it leaks.

[mcshot]

Wrap the leak with Muslims as part of their contributions. Perhaps scarves, camel chips and C-4 detonators will help - quickly doing their thing.

[mkleesma]

Ummm...how ‘bout a sturdy plastic bag and some duct tape?

[ThunderSleeps]

Three months isn’t enough time, FOR A SIMPLE SEAL? Fire the entire design team, give me half of what you’ve been paying them, and I’ll give you a testable, working seal design in one month.

[Cyman]

AND Marvin

[SunkenCiv]

Apparently they ran out of duct tape.

[PIF]

“Apparently they ran out of duct tape.”

Plus they had more important things to do ... they need to gear up for the next round of parties and plan vacations ...