IA80024@MAINE.BITNET (Nicholas C. Hester) (12/10/89)
I know that this was probably discussed before but I'm new and haven't seen it. Why doesn't the shuttle land using the runway at Kennedy Space Center? I have only seen one landing there. I had read that NASA was afraid to use it due to problems with the brakes, but I think that they have been improved. It certainly would improve turn-around time, and cut costs. Please respond either E-mail or posting. Thank-you. Nicholas C. Hester ia80024@Maine.Bitnet ia80024@Maine.Maine.edu
swanie@milton.acs.washington.edu (Eric Swansen) (12/13/89)
Perhaps the environmentalists have complained that the orbiters would kill too many gators and/or wild boars ! a A . i
mdbomber@portia.Stanford.EDU (Matt Bartley) (12/13/89)
I imagine the main reason they go to Edwards AFB is because they runway is just painted on a dry lakebed. If they miss the runway, it wouldn't matter much. There's a big lakebed to choose from. I know that's where I'd what to go in an aircraft if I was having trouble controlling it and had to land. A lot of room for error. Also, the weather at Edwards is much better than at the Cape. Less likely to interfere. More good days per year. We all know how much fun they've had with weather at the shuttle launches. Better to shoot for a landing at a place that's most likely to have clear weather. -- Internet: mdbomber@portia.stanford.edu Matt Bartley Bitnet: mdbomber%portia@stanford.bitnet Riker: "You enjoyed that." -"Ensigns of Command" Picard: "You're DAMNED right!" Star Trek: TNG
millard@eos.UUCP (Millard Edgerton) (12/14/89)
From article <990@milton.acs.washington.edu>, by swanie@milton.acs.washington.edu (Eric Swansen): > Perhaps the environmentalists have complained that the orbiters would kill > too many gators and/or wild boars ! As a pilot flying an expensive ROCK(glider), who try to land on a runway that is too short? And if you undershoot or overshoot you are in a swamp! And.....if a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g goes wrong and you swerve sideways you are in a swamp! The last landing there , the runway was fogged in and just before decision time, to go elsewhere like Lincoln, NE, the fog cleared. When the wheels stopped, the approach end of the runway was again socked in! No intelligent person would have planned that runway! *************************************************************************** * Intelligent people talk about ideas. | Standard disclaimer(s) * * Average people talk about things. | Millard J. Edgerton, WA6VZZ * * Small people talk about other people. | millard@eos.arc.nasa.gov * ***************************************************************************