Why space missions fail

Free learning from The Open University http://www.open.ac.uk/openlearn/science-maths-technology/science

---

Doug Ellison, a space exploration addict, talking at the 2008 Milton Keynes Science Festival. Doug explains why many space missions fail and looks at Cassini-Huygens, Challenger, Galileo and Genesis for answers. While some mistakes are pure boneheaded human error, Doug maintains that science still happens.

---

Articles by Professor John Zarnecki on http://www.open.ac.uk/openlearn/profiles/professor-john-zarnecki

Study 'Observing the Universe' with the OU http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/course/sxr208.htm

Explore qualifications in Physics and Astronomy with the OU http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/science/physics-and-astronomy/inde...

---

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Doug Ellison
• John Zarnecki
• exploring Mars
• surface of Mars
• sun
• solar energy
• space
• space exploration
• space mission
• Cassini-Huygens
• Challenger
• Galileo
• Genesis
• pathfinder
• telescope
• astronomy
• science
• physics
• NASA
• open university
• ou_sxr208

[chaosopher23]

Someone needs to redesign those G-sensors, so even if they are wired wrong or the spaceship comes in upside down, they still work. Sounds like a project...

[benenglish76]

Awesome !!!

[bestamerica]

some spaces are successful,,,

some fails

[JaglaJ]

your so right. they should have just totally not uploaded it.

[sweetypie000]

i've never seen pictures like these.

i guess why because the governments dont want us to fully understand how insignificant our planet is on the scale of things and if we fully knew and realised this we would all start treating each other better and not take life so seriously.

control, that's what its' about.

the only reason the governments want to get off this planet is financial gain. they want water and precious metals and stones from other planets.

We are a virus. no, a parasite

[jonnyhifi]

Fascinating !

This is the kind of stuff tht never makes TV but it should: so much more interesting than the rubbish usually broadcast. The TV nation today has forgotten how rivetting a good lecture can be.

[andrespereyda]

it's ok

[andrespereyda]

did u watch this b4 u uploaded it? you can't see his laser pointer