One thing we love about scientist-types is their nerdy humor, so when researchers launch a trio of satellites next month to test the feasibility of space tether propulsion, the 'gadget' tasked with 'inspecting' the line will obviously be referred to as bumbling cartoon detective Inspector Gadget.
If the project is approved, engineers would hope to have the propulsion unit, or service module, ready to fly on the American rocket's first test flight.