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

Not Afraid · 08-09-2005, 12:13 PM

"And Discovery is home". Great words to hear.

Matterhorn Fan · 08-09-2005, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DisneyDaniel

That's exactly why I have avoided all so-called "traditional" TV news coverage of this particular mission for the past 14 days. NASA-TV has the best 24/7 coverage--it's live, simple, comprehensive and WITHOUT the talking-head newscasters who really do not know anything.

That's why I dislike most TV news. NASA-TV, unfortunately, is something I do not have access to (I assume it's cable, which I do not have, and/or online, which my old computer and dial-up connection cannot handle).

DisneyFan25863 · 08-09-2005, 04:43 PM

Ok, well, I'm lucky enough to be able to live in the area where the shuttle passes, literally, directly over my house, and, also, transitions to subsonic speeds. Of course, when I went to bed last night, I had read it was landing at KSC, so the booms last night were an unexpected surprise that served as the perfect alarm clock (they went off 5 min before my clock does). The booms literally made my house shake, and all the car alarms around us went off, and so on. My dad thought it was a terrorist attack, luckily I realized it was the shuttle. Ran downstairs and turned on NASA-TV just in time to watch the final approach.

What an awesome start to my day!

PS: Kind of a geeky thing, but when it woke me up and I realized what they were...I said "Welcome home, Discovery" out loud

TigerLily · 08-09-2005, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DisneyDaniel

Wow! TigerLily, you're so lucky to have been able to see and hear it! I've been up all night waiting and watching Space Shuttle Discovery's landing, too--but only on TV.

I'm hoping they piggyback it to florida on a weekend so I can go take some pictures.

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.

08-09-2005, 12:13 PM	#81
Not Afraid HI! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 17,108	"And Discovery is home". Great words to hear.
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08-09-2005, 04:43 PM	#83
DisneyFan25863 Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Stevenson Ranch, CA Posts: 464	Ok, well, I'm lucky enough to be able to live in the area where the shuttle passes, literally, directly over my house, and, also, transitions to subsonic speeds. Of course, when I went to bed last night, I had read it was landing at KSC, so the booms last night were an unexpected surprise that served as the perfect alarm clock (they went off 5 min before my clock does). The booms literally made my house shake, and all the car alarms around us went off, and so on. My dad thought it was a terrorist attack, luckily I realized it was the shuttle. Ran downstairs and turned on NASA-TV just in time to watch the final approach. What an awesome start to my day! PS: Kind of a geeky thing, but when it woke me up and I realized what they were...I said "Welcome home, Discovery" out loud
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08-19-2005, 01:52 PM	#85
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
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08-19-2005, 07:02 PM	#86
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)
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08-19-2005, 07:34 PM	#87
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