Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!know!sdd.hp.com!hplabs!hpl-opus!hpcc05!col!hpldola!hp-lsd!paulc From: paulc@hp-lsd.COS.HP.COM (Paul Carroll) Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle Subject: Re: Endeavor "question" (?) (was: Re: Atlantis and the DoD) Message-ID: <9090004@hp-lsd.COS.HP.COM> Date: 16 Nov 90 15:47:34 GMT References: <16716@hydra.gatech.EDU> Organization: HP Logic Systems Division - ColoSpgs, CO Lines: 19 From previous responses to this same question (hoping I remember this correctly): The Atlantis was built after the others and Rockwell was able to cut down on some of the airframe weight. Thus, the Atlantis can carry more payload or travel to a higher altitude. This might explain why the Atlantis is used for DOD missions, if these satellites are large enough that they need the extra margin in lifting power. Also, there might be some extra equipment for secure operations. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + Paul Carroll "I don't believe there is a single + + HP Logic Systems Division man, woman, or child alive in + + paulc%hp-lsd@hplabs.hp.com America today that doesn't enjoy a + + lovely beverage!" - David Letterman + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++