Nasa will launch a stack of Okto2's to space!

[StrandedonEarth]

On March 12 Nasa will launch a stack of 4 Okto2 probe cores into space, but for some reason they are called MMS's. Something about them actually being Magnetospheric MultiScale Observatories, or some such.

[Bill Phil]

So you don't know that Mariner had an octagonal bus that everything was mounted on?

Anyway, sound cool.

[Ikaneko]

Instead of separation, read Separatron!!

[StrandedonEarth]

So you don't know that Mariner had an octagonal bus that everything was mounted on?

You know, I hadn't actually seen a picture of a Mariner probe until you mentioned it. With all that hardware on it, it does look like an Okto2-based probe. But these MMS's look like nothing more than on Okto2 with antennas

[Sampa]

On March 12 Nasa will launch a stack of 4 Okto2 probe cores into space, but for some reason they are called MMS's. Something about them actually being Magnetospheric MultiScale Observatories, or some such.

http://spaceflightnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mms4-1024x576.jpg

That actually is a brilliant idea to use the octagon as a probe core. More space for solar panels and/or experiments/instruments!

[monophonic]

My first thought:: "Those look nothing like M&M's!"

[Kryten]

Coverage has started on NASA TV. Or at least it should have-I don't have flash so I can't personally tell. For people in my situation, ULA should soon be offering a link to a mobile-friendly stream on this page.

[The_8th_Bit]

I happened to view the NASA website at the right time.

1 day, 1 hour, 1 min, 1 sec to launch:cool:

In all seriousness though, the data on magnetic reconnection this mission will provide should be very interesting.

[Robotengineer]

Here is a NASA ScienceCast video on the science aspect of the mission. Space science that could have terrestrial applications!

[magnemoe]

That actually is a brilliant idea to use the octagon as a probe core. More space for solar panels and/or experiments/instruments!

Have used it many times, four solar panels, two batteries, science and antenna on the two free sides.

The okto2 is a bit short but you would need an decopler anyway so it should work, this is mostly useful to separate an science around target satelite before the lander lands.