I don't think there was any problem with the orbital mechanics... after all, someone thought of the Voyager 2 grand tour in the 60's and that's always staggered me how they managed to do that with such precision. Not one planet, but 4!!

Interesting stats though, dshan - I once worked with someone who was a fervent believer of UFO's and was adamant that the reason there was such a high failure rate (in his opinion) was that the probes were being destroyed by - drumroll - forces unknown LOL

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"The stars are my home"
"I've seen things you people wouldn't believe... Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion... I've watched c-beams glitter in the dark, near the Tanhauser Gate... all those moments will be lost, in time... like tears in the rain..."