Miller Jambo 60 Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 Just touched down and safe after a 2 week mission. The runway they landed on is 3 miles long. Find that hard to believe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blairdin Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 Just touched down and safe after a 2 week mission.The runway they landed on is 3 miles long. Find that hard to believe. Brings it home. These shuttle missions are never routine. From the second they re-enter the atmosphere they become the fastest glider in the world so once they touch down they take alot of stopping. I heard an analogy once. Landing those things on a runway is the equivalent of a darts player being 2 miles from the board, aiming for the bullseye and getting it. Not sure how much truth is in that, but the whole space shuttle mission is still an amazing feat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul_C Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 I don't know if it would need the entire 3 miles of runway. The shuttle hits the ground only 50 miles an hour faster than an airline jet. The whole process of re-entry is still a huge feat of techonology and science though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig-Section Z Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 I don't know if it would need the entire 3 miles of runway. The shuttle hits the ground only 50 miles an hour faster than an airline jet. The whole process of re-entry is still a huge feat of techonology and science though... But it cant slow down in the same way as an airline jet can, it basically just has to go till it comes to a stand still. Ive seen the runway at cape canaveral and its huge, everything about the shuttle program is huge, with the exception of the shuttle itself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miller Jambo 60 Posted June 14, 2008 Author Share Posted June 14, 2008 But it cant slow down in the same way as an airline jet can, it basically just has to go till it comes to a stand still. Ive seen the runway at cape canaveral and its huge, everything about the shuttle program is huge, with the exception of the shuttle itself. Great they came back . Love space and all that hard prep for a good adventure. Shame Britain cant get a wee shot in space. A thought Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul_C Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 But it cant slow down in the same way as an airline jet can, it basically just has to go till it comes to a stand still. Ive seen the runway at cape canaveral and its huge, everything about the shuttle program is huge, with the exception of the shuttle itself. I know it doesn't have the same reverse thrust braking a conventional jet does, that's why it deploys a parachute but cant do that until it's slowed down to about 70mph as it would get ripped off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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