Pioneer 10 spacecraft falls silent after nearly 31 years

Associated Press | February 25, 2003

[XEHRpa]

Thanks. I'll do that.

[ToTheStars]

What do you do at JPL?

[RadioAstronomer]

What do you do at JPL?

I was in "Flight Operations" (mission control) on an interplanetary spacecraft. I left JPL to work on Space Station, however, I am now indirectly working with them on GPS orbit estimation and ephemeris. My radio telescope project was also linked during the Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 Collision with Jupiter.

[ToTheStars]

Uh, you are working on THE space station? The one that's up there now?

[Condorman]

Farewell Old Friend

PH, would you ping the usual suspects, please?

[PatrickHenry]

Requested ping.

[This ping list is for the evolution -- not creationism -- side of evolution threads, and sometimes for other science topics. To be added (or dropped), let me know via freepmail.]

[stanz]

Truly amazing. It sent back better messages than my cell phone. Must have a sneaker hanging from it.

[frodolives]

It did NOT go out of range. It graduated from law school, is now an attorney and won't return our calls.

[stanz]

LOL. and probably right.

[Scully]

Yes, a truly remarkable machine. And in how many years will it provide target-practice for one ultra-juiced Klingon warrior?

[RadioAstronomer]

Uh, you are working on THE space station? The one that's up there now?

Indeed it was the very one that is up there. :-)

[ToTheStars]

You have a very interesting job, I'm impressed. Perhaps you could answer a few questions for me. Why does the space station need to have the Shuttle boost it's orbit? Couldn't they have installed boosters or what ever on the space station itself? Or maybe they could have installed the space station in an orbit that wouldn't decay?

Thanks for your time in answering me.

[finnman69]

Hopefully the Klingnons wont use it for target practice.

[RadioAstronomer]

I am so sorry for being off FR and not answering right away. :-(

I will post an answer in the morning!

[Mark17]

It will take 2 million years to reach it.

Oh good. That means I still have time for a cup of tea before it arrives. The universe really is kind of large isn't it?

[livis_dad]

It figures... most appliances quit right after the warranty and I've heard this thing had a 30 year warranty... Piece of crap.

[Mark17]

I wonder if Al Gore bought 5 copies for his mother? On the cover of the Rolling Stone.

[livis_dad]

Whoa, should dude guy be hung a little more? And what's with the chick not waving "Hi", she's just standing there all coy acting and naked? I don't want that representing my peeps on the 3rd planet from the Sun!

[RadioAstronomer]

Whoa, should dude guy be hung a little more? And what's with the chick not waving "Hi", she's just standing there all coy acting and naked? I don't want that representing my peeps on the 3rd planet from the Sun!

I dont think that is much of a issue. LOL! However, the pulsar map will show our location. :-)

[Axenolith]