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From: kas@hpcvia.CV.HP.COM (ken_scofield)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Re: Now THAT'S speed!
Message-ID: <31840001@hpcvia.CV.HP.COM>
Date: 15 May 91 18:58:46 GMT
References: <72189@microsoft.UUCP>
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Co., Corvallis, Oregon
Lines: 29

From: rambler@pnet51.orb.mn.org (Dan Meyer)
Message-ID: <4906@orbit.cts.com>

>Something else to look for; the forward and vertical velocity; the shuttle
>achieves vertical velicities in excess of 250 MPH ! (yes, Miles Per Hour!)
>
>-- Dan Meyer

  I don't doubt that you're right, but remember that the vertical rate
  is a function of air density.  The shuttle is basically a brick with
  wings, and as such the 'terminal velocity' decreases as the shuttle
  enters denser air.  It's been awhile since I've watched a shuttle landing
  on TV, but I remember one commentator saying that the vertical descent
  rate is something like 120mph just prior to the final flare.  This may
  not seem as dramatic as your 250mph number, but remember that the flare
  doesn't begin until the shuttle is very near the ground.  Talk about
  'ground rush'!  We skydiving types are accustomed to falling at 120mph,
  but we decelerate at the 2000-3000 ft level, before the 'ground rush'
  effect becomes noticable.  I can only imagine what it must be like to
  see the ground coming at me at 120mph at 200 ft...  >shudder<


                 Ken Scofield           C-9355  SSI #453890085
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