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From: LShilkoff.es@Xerox.ARPA
Newsgroups: net.space
Subject: Nautical Miles
Message-ID: <12169@sri-arpa.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 10-Apr-84 16:33:00 EST
Article-I.D.: sri-arpa.12169
Posted: Tue Apr 10 16:33:00 1984
Date-Received: Sun, 15-Apr-84 09:16:57 EST
Lines: 13

"Why are the distances, speeds, etc. measured in terms of nautical
    miles?  Why not statute miles?  For that matter, why not kilometers?

Nautical miles is the standard unit of distance used by pilots
worldwide. More than likely, it was chosen by NASA (or whatever it was
called way back when) because of the close relationship with the Air
Force and other flight branches of the armed forces. Seems to be even
more appropriate today with our latest space vehicle resembling an
airplane rather than an inverted kitchen funnel.

LShilkoff.es@xerox.ARPA

Larry