[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

I've just been reading about GP-B (Gravity Probe B) at http://einstein.stanford.edu/. The precision of the engineering is stunning (the whole project is).

[ukmicky]

Sure is Doc.

But what are they doing with it now that it has confirmed and proved everything that it was sent up to do. Surely their not gonna allow the roundest objects known to man to rot in space in a giant tin can.

[syhprum]

It would be nice to think that this marvelous piece of engineering could be recovered but it would be vastly more expensive to do so than to reproduce it.
Take comfort from the thought that now the techniques to build it have been developed if further scientific projects require such engineering it is available.

[lyner]

Totally stunning, as you say, Dr.B. Also, as an unmanned mission - reliable and good value.  In fact, it just wouldn't have worked at all if there had been humans on board.
All the best stuff is done in the absence of pesky operators to shake it about and breathe all over it.

[another_someone]

The engineering is indeed impressive, but my first thought is that the primary use for such ultra-high precision inertial guidance systems is for the military (which no doubt is where it will now be implemented now that it has been proven in the civilian satellite arena).

[syhprum]

What a sad thought, but I expect that when America attacks China they are allowing for the fact that their GPS system will be destroyed now the Chinese have demonsrated their ability to down satellites

[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

The engineering is indeed impressive, but my first thought is that the primary use for such ultra-high precision inertial guidance systems is for the military (which no doubt is where it will now be implemented now that it has been proven in the civilian satellite arena).

What a sad thought, but I expect that when America attacks China they are allowing for the fact that their GPS system will be destroyed now the Chinese have demonsrated their ability to down satellites

Good points, both. Then again, many civilian products in everyday use have been developed from military projects.

[syhprum]

I sometimes feel a little guilty that the reason I have this wonderful gadget for communicating with people all around the world is because integrated circuits were developed for ICBM's

[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

I sometimes feel a little guilty that the reason I have this wonderful gadget for communicating with people all around the world is because integrated circuits were developed for ICBM's

But the internet was developed for scientists.

[daveshorts]

But the internet was developed for scientists.

Working for the military - the reason it is so decentralised is to survive nuclear attack...

I definitely agree about Gravity Probe B, I really want to get it on the program, but am waiting for them to announce the interesting frame dragging part of their results.