A question I just thought of; were they PLANNING on having the
thing fall from the sky? Why else would they provide it with
a heat shield with re-entry?
I'm amazed, actually, that they finally got a satellite into
orbit. Didn't the last four satellite launches they attempted
blow up on the launch pad?
Of course, our most recent $425 million fiasco involving a 20 km
tether, some unknown mishap, and 20+ CS majors is none too impressive.
>
> > Ever feel like there's too many dang hunks of metal hurtling around
> > the Earth at ungodly speeds? I no longer feel safe...
>
> Small consolation: this satellite's made of a high-tech 21st-century
> material called black oak. Or at least, that's what the Chinese use
> as an ablative heat shield for their reentry capsules. Whatever works :-)
>
> -- Adam
>
> [a new niche: intercontinental ballistic lumber delivery?]
>
>
