diff --git a/ground-control.py b/ground-control.py
index ecade2b..255c155 100644
--- a/ground-control.py
+++ b/ground-control.py
@@ -78,8 +78,14 @@ def is_east_door_currently_open():
 
 def activate_marshaller():
     print('activating marshaller', flush=True)
-    requests.get(marshaller_uri, timeout=1)
-    requests.get(marshaller_uri, timeout=1)
+
+    for _ in range(2):
+        try:
+            requests.get(marshaller_uri, timeout=1)
+        except requests.exceptions.ReadTimeout:
+            print('read timeout - retrying marshaller', flush=True)
+            sleep(2)
+
     requests.get(marshaller_uri, timeout=1)