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From: LABRIE@gecrdvm1.crd.ge.com
Newsgroups: sci.space,sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Re: Shuttle Enterprise
Message-ID: <90215.173615LABRIE@GECRDVM1.BITNET>
Date: 3 Aug 90 21:36:15 GMT
References: <307@wybbs.mi.org>
Organization: General Electric Corporate Research & Development
Lines: 52


     Just some information on the shuttle fleet.


     First built (But not first finished) was OV-099, Challemnger.  Purpose:
Original airframe built as a test article.  It was later modified and finished
as a flight vehicle after OV-102, Columbia was in use.

     Second built was OV-101, Enterprise.  (NOTE: I don't know if OV-100 exists
or not.)  It was built as a test vehicle and used for landing tests in 1977.

     Third built and first to go into space was OV-102, Columbia.  Launch was
back on April 12, 1981; after numerous delays.

     Fourth built was OV-103, Discovery.  It was completed with the knowledge
gained from the first three shuttles.

     Fifth built was OV-104, Atlantis.  It too profits from the development
of the first three shuttles.

     Sixth to be built is Endeavor, which I assume (Forgive me!) will be OV-105
since it is the next in line.



     Most of the above information was from THE SPACE SHUTTLE OPERATOR'S MANUAL
 on page 1.9.  From other sources of information I have read, the Enterprise
 was originally built with the intention of being a flight vehicle.  But after
 the landing tests were done, it was found the the modifications neededto make
 it flight-worthywould be too involved to make it worth while.  So Enterprise
is used in other ways not ment for space.

     Many STAR TREK fans who signed numerous petitions to get the first flying
 shuttle to be named Enterprise were a little dissapointed after this news went
 public.



     One question I would have for anyone out there is:


What is Enterprise exactly being used for right now?  Is it a ground
model for information while other flights are up, a training vehicle, or
just a display?


J.E. Labrie
GE/CRD
Schenectady, New York
======================

All points expressed above are mine.  (GE dosen't own that much of me)