Space Shuttle....????

[Timebuilder]

Hmmm.

I guess the concept of a "reusable lifting body" didn't include the engines. I would have guessed 20 or so launches from a trio of engines.

No wonder this costs so much.

 

[dmspilot00]

I was thinking the same thing. What I want to know is why the government cancelled, because of budget cuts, the project for a new space vehicle that could lift off like an airplane, when they could have probably saved more money than it cost.

 

[EagleRJ]

The Space Shuttle Main Engines are not used only once. Their design life is measured in seconds, and is around 50 missions worth. They are inspected between missions, and any worn parts are replaced.
They were originally specified to be usable for 100 missions each, but to increase the cargo capacity of the Shuttle, the maximum allowable thrust for the engines was increased to 109% of the original design, which shortened their life.

The Shuttle's basic design is part of why it costs so much money. A new external tank has to be built for each launch, and the solid rocket boosters, while they are reusable, must be towed back from the recovery area, disassembled, cleaned, inspected, reassembled, and reloaded.
A "single stage to orbit" vehicle would do away with all that, and would be far cheaper and simpler.

 

[Timebuilder]

Maybe we can get Bob Lazar to reconstruct some of those anti-gravity generators he saw at Area 51. That should make this a lot easier, and probably cheaper!

 

[atpcliff]

Hi. (as opposed to my normal...Hi!)

I am really bummed out. My wife called me and woke me up and told me to turn on the TV. My first reaction was, "Not again!". I watched the Challenger blow up live on the Disney Channel while I was in flight school at Ft. Rucker.

Everyone I've talked to (except my dad) has been very bummed out. When I talked to my dad, I was surprised. He said he thought NASA was doing great to have had only 3 fatal accidents in 40+ years of space flight. He said it was very risky, and you have to accept accidents when you're pushing the boundaries. He said the astronauts were doing what they loved.

My six-year old saw it on TV and told my wife that Saddam Hussein must have shot it down with a missle.

My brother is applying with NASA in the month or two to try and get an interview to be a Mission Specialist. I hope he makes it.

Cliff
GRB

 

[dmspilot00]

I suppose when they said that the engines were only used once, they meant that after launch, they aren't used again on that mission. Sorry for the mistake.

 

[KC-10 Driver]

I came across this today, and thought it both moving and appropriate.


ONE MORE ROLL

We toast our hearty comrades who have fallen from the skies, and were gently caught by God's own hands to be with him on high.

To dwell among the soaring clouds they've known so well before, from victory roll to tail chase at heaven's very door.

And as we fly among them there we're sure to hear their plea, "Take care my friend, watch your six, and do one more roll for me."

- "One More Roll" written by Commander Jerry Coffee, in Hanoi in 1968

 

[ATR-DRIVR]

David Brown rode to the hotel with us in Panama City a few months ago after we came in from Atlanta. He was very very social and low key in talking about going on the shuttle. He was very excited at the same time. He gave us two pilots each one of his mission patches. I am going to see about wearing in on my leather jacket. If not, will frame it and NEVER, EVER part with it. Just makes you think......
God Speed, David and the entire crew........

 

[toneal]

I am still in shock that this happened.

The family and I were driving into Arlington, Tx to get a bite to eat and I saw a Tx DOT sign on the freeway that said "Call Police To Report Space Shuttle Debris".

That was very weird seeing that every few miles down the freeway.

Gob Bless the families.

 

[Lindy]

Still in shock.
Was around for the Challenger and after watching that video played and replayed, it was exasperating.

EXTREMELY LUCKY to ditch class while in college and watch the first shuttle launch after Challenger. It was a special moment. Lucky to watch many launches -- some at night, some not; some w/ special vehicle pass, some from Coca at the bar; etc.

What I would like to say is that the news was reporting about the use of an older fuel tank -- pursuant to a contractor -- similar to one being discontinued on this last launch. May had something to do w/ the take-off issues.

May the families find peace that their loved one's died doing something that they wanted/loved to do.