Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!sdd.hp.com!usc!apple!applelink.apple.com!keithley
From: keithley@applelink.apple.com (Craig Keithley)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Re: Atlantis and the DoD)
Message-ID: <11312@goofy.Apple.COM>
Date: 19 Nov 90 21:49:37 GMT
Sender: usenet@Apple.COM
Organization: Apple Computer Inc.
Lines: 12
References:<16716@hydra.gatech.EDU> <9090004@hp-lsd.COS.HP.COM>



>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.

Also, a large number of military satellites are put in polar orbits and therefore don't get the velocity benefit from launching in an easterly direction.

Craig Keithley, Apple Computer
keithley@applelink.apple.com 
ITS NOT MY FAULT! 
[standard disclaimers apply!]