Space to Smithsonian: Shuttle Discovery's final flight
35 replies, posted
[QUOTE=SpaceGhost;35594297]Just a thought, couldn't they convert it for atmospheric use or would the costs outweigh the benefits?[/QUOTE]
The shuttle was aerodynamically crap. It was BARELY capable of gliding inside the atmosphere and had to land at couple hundred knots in order to avoid stalling and becoming a flaming wreck. Frankly I am astonished that the program never suffered a catastrophic loss during the glide phase as a result of the crap aerodynamics.
[QUOTE=GunFox;35615910]The shuttle was aerodynamically crap. It was BARELY capable of gliding inside the atmosphere and had to land a couple hundred knots in order to avoid stalling and becoming a flaming wreck. Frankly I am astonished that the program never suffered a catastrophic loss during the glide phase as a result of the crap aerodynamics.[/QUOTE]
Especially when their escape plan consisted of running downstairs, putting on parachutes, opening the door, sticking a pole out the door and riding the pole off the plane like a fire pole.
[editline]17th April 2012[/editline]
Pictures from an aviary in the area today:
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/QKRsy.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/eTMB7.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/y259v.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/Jg9lF.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/SZDqu.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/hOXu0.jpg[/IMG]
[editline]17th April 2012[/editline]
Fun fact: With the shuttle attached, the operational range of the modified 747-100 that they use to carry the shuttle drops from 5500nmi to 1000nmi.
I got to take two pictures and record two videos when it came by three times...my life is complete!
Man that shuttle looks decrepit...
[QUOTE=SpaceGhost;35608005][url]http://www.adastrarocket.com/aarc/VASIMR[/url]
It's going to be tested on the ISS next year to move it further out in orbit to compensate for drag.[/QUOTE]
I hope this isn't the engine that can be detected from lightyears away
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