The Space Shuttle

alex

Do not read this.
http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/135_splash/index.html

the final launch was this year, have been listening to the guardian science podcast's about it, which are really excellent, especially 'sounds of the space shuttle' (basically a vivid description of the launch/living conditions/re entry, all to a glorious soundscape of the actual craft)

links
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/audio/2011/jul/12/science-weekly-podcast-space-shuttle

there is also 'requiem for the space shuttle' which i highly reccomend listening to.

I also watched a documentry on youtube (name escapes me, could find the link if I had more time) where they explained a few fun facts that you may/may not know:

1.) The shuttle re-enters the earth’s atmosphere at over 12,000mph, and once it has finished it’s re-entry burn it will be landing within 45 minutes.

2.) The bottom of the craft contains thousands of silicon tiles, in a type of mosaic. Each one is individually inspected upon each landing and before each launch. The material they are made from can be heated in a furnace to a red/orange glow, and can be touched (or picked up) within 1 & ½ minutes from being removed.

3.) A commercial jet will begin it’s decent at 3deg, the space shuttle’s is around 30. (gulp)

post space shuttle trivia/links here
 

e/y

Well-known member
hmmm, I always had the impression that it was a fairly ineffective programme.

the shuttles are really cool-looking, though.
 

alex

Do not read this.
i would say that the apollo programme was more successful, only posted this here as it's been in the news recently.

Got some great pictures from the apollo programme on nasa images
 

hucks

Your Message Here
i would say that the apollo programme was more successful, only posted this here as it's been in the news recently.

Got some great pictures from the apollo programme on nasa images

I was always more of a fan of the Soviet space programme. First dog in space, first man, first woman. There was this series of soviet space films on at the BFI last month. Some good stuff. There was this one film about the last soviet cosmonaut. He went up from the USSR and landed in the Russian federation. The film was rubbish, thinking about it. Total missed opportunity.

Anyway, the guy answered questions afterwards and he was well cool.
 
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