Cryosat's potential in earth science...now doomed?

[Docalex007]

Well, the European Space Agency's polar orbiter Cryosat just launched from nothern Russia about 4 hours ago. Its great to finally think we will be reaping the benefits of this much anticipated mission very soon.

The bad news: According to the ESA website, there is no contact with Cryosat as of right now. There is also no confirmation that the satellite even made it to orbit.

Project cost: $160 million

I sure hope this clears up and that everything is ok. But as you and I know if there isn't any contact with the satellite in the next few hours it is most likely doomed. Of course this happens every now and then with satellites. But this is happening way too often with ESA. Remember the European disaster Beagle rover? Lets just cross our fingers and hope that things are ok with Cryosat.....because its potential for useful polar ice cap observation and measurement is unparrallel.

[HydrogenBond]

Many satellites have miltiary applications as well as civilian applications. It will appear when when it is time.

[Docalex007]

Originally Posted by HydrogenBond

Many satellites have miltiary applications as well as civilian applications. It will appear when when it is time.

What are you suggesting? Cryosat failure is being staged for military purposes right now?

[Docalex007]

By the way, its official, Cryosat was unsuccessful at entering orbit. Crashed somewhere near Greenland.

We shouldn't have never used a russian rocket.