At 02:49 PM 9/09/03 +0930, you wrote:
>On Tue, Sep 09, 2003 at 02:47:04PM +1000, Mike Borgelt wrote:
>
> > I guess you could launch a glider off the top of a towplane like they did
> > the shuttle from the 747 for the glide tests. Wouldn't have to teach
> > aerotow at least.
>
>They never actually launched the shuttle in that mode. They mounted
>it on the 747 to perform drag measurements, not to let it fly freely.
>(IIRC, most of the "Enterprise" shuttle was a mock-up)
>
> - mark
I'm sure www.astronautix.com will set you straight on that.(It's a great
website if you are at all interested in spaceflight)
While Enterprise wasn't spaceworthy as flown it had the structure, APU's,
control systems and avionics and was launched off the 747 several times for
glide and landing tests. There were proposals to refurbish it and fly it in
space.
It is now in a museum where its sister ships also belong. Unfortunately
NASA will continue to try to demolish human spaceflight by flying the
shuttles again.
Mike
Borgelt Instruments - manufacturers of quality soaring instruments
phone Int'l + 61 746 355784
fax Int'l + 61 746 358796
cellphone Int'l + 61 428 355784
Int'l + 61 429 355784
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website: www.borgeltinstruments.com
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