Space Shuttle's "Return to Flight" - Page 9

Ghoulish Delight · 08-19-2005, 01:52 PM

The shuttle began the last leg of its journey, riding on a modified 747 across the country to Florida. It will take 2 days with 2 stops. There was about a 90 minute delay as the pre-flight inspection took longer than anticipated.

Right now, NASA is saying no earlier than March for the next mission. If so, while a few months later than the original plan, it wouldn't be bad all things considered.

Drince88 · 08-19-2005, 07:02 PM

I'm just kind of bummed they stopped at an Air Force Base for the refueling/overnight stop. If it had been at a public airport (where you could see it from the public areas), I would have considered driving over to see it. (Well, and there is that almost $2.50/gallon issue, too)

scaeagles · 08-19-2005, 07:34 PM

I would doubt most airports could handle such a landing. The length of the runways for something that heavy to stop would have to be much longer than a typical metro airport. I am not any sort of engineer, but I figure the shuttle probably close to doubles the weight of that 747 it piggy backs on. So I figure a military base is the only option, with their longer runways.

Drince88 · 08-20-2005, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scaeagles

I would doubt most airports could handle such a landing. The length of the runways for something that heavy to stop would have to be much longer than a typical metro airport. I am not any sort of engineer, but I figure the shuttle probably close to doubles the weight of that 747 it piggy backs on. So I figure a military base is the only option, with their longer runways.

I know you're right, it's just that I was kind of hoping they'd be somewhere the public could see it (though THAT may be part of the plan, too). Wouldn't be surprising if the weight itself and the thickness of the runway (in addition to length) was a consideration as well.

08-19-2005, 01:52 PM	#1
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	The shuttle began the last leg of its journey, riding on a modified 747 across the country to Florida. It will take 2 days with 2 stops. There was about a 90 minute delay as the pre-flight inspection took longer than anticipated. Right now, NASA is saying no earlier than March for the next mission. If so, while a few months later than the original plan, it wouldn't be bad all things considered. __________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
	Submit to Quotes

08-19-2005, 07:02 PM	#2
Drince88 Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 481	I'm just kind of bummed they stopped at an Air Force Base for the refueling/overnight stop. If it had been at a public airport (where you could see it from the public areas), I would have considered driving over to see it. (Well, and there is that almost $2.50/gallon issue, too)
	Submit to Quotes

08-19-2005, 07:34 PM	#3
scaeagles I LIKE! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,819	I would doubt most airports could handle such a landing. The length of the runways for something that heavy to stop would have to be much longer than a typical metro airport. I am not any sort of engineer, but I figure the shuttle probably close to doubles the weight of that 747 it piggy backs on. So I figure a military base is the only option, with their longer runways.
	Submit to Quotes