Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!samsung!merrimack.edu!yetmank
From: yetmank@merrimack.edu
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Re: Why is Edwards the primary site?
Message-ID: <1991May10.124219.21822@merrimack.edu>
Date: 10 May 91 12:42:19 GMT
References: <3218.282A166A@ofa123.fidonet.org> <32726@usc> <1991May10.135453.509@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>
Organization: Merrimack College, No. Andover, MA
Lines: 47

In article <1991May10.135453.509@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>, mboone@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Michael B Boone) writes:
> In article <32726@usc> sharp@mizar.usc.edu (Malcolm Sharp) writes:
>>I read that with the shuttle landing at KSC instead of Edwards it
>>saves about $1million (plus time).  Why is Edwards used as the
>>primary landing area?
>>-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
>>Malcolm Sharp
> 
> I believe that it is because Kennedy often has strong crosswinds on the
> landing strip, where Edwards doesn't.  I think that the commission that
> reviewed the Challenger accident also recommended that Edwards be used to
> cut down on any risk or landing difficulty.
> 
> I think that the Kennedy landing strip surface (concrete?) is harder than
> that of Edward's lake bed, although I'm not sure what that would mean in
> terms of the shuttle landing.  Anyone want to fill me in?
> 
> Mike.
> 
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
> mboone@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Michael B. Boone)  Ohio State     //
> The best way to accelerate a Mac is at 9.8 m/s^2     University   \X/ Amiga
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------


I'm no genius when it comes to the shuttle, but I think Edwards is the primary
site because the runway is longer.  Also your point about the concrete surface
verses the Earthen landing strip in California is well taken.

It's worth noting that Endeavour may change all of this.  I heard on the news
that the new shuttle will be equipped with a parachute like drag racers use to
aid in slow down.  We saw what happened on the last landing at Kennedy Space
Center, the Discovery crew hit the brakes so hard, they blew a tire.  With
Endeavour, the speed could be reduced with the parachute.  This could make KSC
the primary landing site for Endeavour, and avoid the long cross country voyage
atop a 747.

Just thoughts, don't know how much is fact.


Kevin

E-mail MIGHT reach me at:

yetmank@merrimack.edu

"You can still Rock in America"  - Night Ranger