Space Shuttle Discovery

[tomboudreau]

They have to launch the shuttle with the ISS almost directly above them. This will allow the shuttle to catch up to the ISS without much trouble. This launch window is open until July 19th. I dont know why they have to get the bird in the air by then...so if anyone can put some light on this situation on why they have to launch by July 19th.

[Stephanie]

My question is why even try and launch the shuttle during the summer in Florida? Thunderstorms are possible everyday. To me, this is a waste of money and just another threat to the lives of the astronauts.

[azsnowman]

My question is why even try and launch the shuttle during the summer in Florida? Thunderstorms are possible everyday. To me, this is a waste of money and just another threat to the lives of the astronauts.

EXACTLY.......the Shuttle was built in Lancaster/Palmdale California *I was there in 1976 when they rolled it out for the first time, my exbrother in law worked on it, don't ask, I didn't know what he did*, tested at Edwards AFB, THEN piggy backed to Florida, which God knows HOW much it cost the taxpayers, why not launch it from "Hades" (Edwards AFB?)

[Scorpion]

Geez...30 year old design. I'm surprised they're still flying. That would be akin to sending the Neil Armstrong to the moon in a craft built in 1939.

[vbhoutex]

Many of the airplanes we fly in these days are that old. Some designs are good for many years, others aren't. That is another whole discussion when it comes to the space shuttle imo.

[vbhoutex]

My question is why even try and launch the shuttle during the summer in Florida? Thunderstorms are possible everyday. To me, this is a waste of money and just another threat to the lives of the astronauts.

EXACTLY.......the Shuttle was built in Lancaster/Palmdale California *I was there in 1976 when they rolled it out for the first time, my exbrother in law worked on it, don't ask, I didn't know what he did*, tested at Edwards AFB, THEN piggy backed to Florida, which God knows HOW much it cost the taxpayers, why not launch it from "Hades" (Edwards AFB?)

My understanding is that the way they would have to launch it from there will not work with the land around it. That and some population centers it would have to cross while climbing, etc. I think that is one reason CC is so good for it, since they can basically send it out over the open waters where it wouldn't be a threat to anyone. I also think it has to do with the availability of emergency landing areas down range too.

[cycloneye]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13666974/

Oh,I think the launch will be again postponed,now due to a crack found at foam.Read the news at link.

[cycloneye]

http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/space/07/0 ... index.html

More information about this.

[Stephanie]

My question is why even try and launch the shuttle during the summer in Florida? Thunderstorms are possible everyday. To me, this is a waste of money and just another threat to the lives of the astronauts.

EXACTLY.......the Shuttle was built in Lancaster/Palmdale California *I was there in 1976 when they rolled it out for the first time, my exbrother in law worked on it, don't ask, I didn't know what he did*, tested at Edwards AFB, THEN piggy backed to Florida, which God knows HOW much it cost the taxpayers, why not launch it from "Hades" (Edwards AFB?)

My understanding is that the way they would have to launch it from there will not work with the land around it. That and some population centers it would have to cross while climbing, etc. I think that is one reason CC is so good for it, since they can basically send it out over the open waters where it wouldn't be a threat to anyone. I also think it has to do with the availability of emergency landing areas down range too.

That's a good point David. However, I'm still not following the logic of a summer launch due to the potential storms.

At anyrate, it's a moot point since they found cracks in the foam. I think it's time to retire these babies.

[cycloneye]

There will be a press conference around noon or a little after that time.

[cycloneye]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13666974/

The launch for tommorow at 2:38 PM EDT is a go despite the foam problem.Ley's pray that all goes well in the launch.

[Stephanie]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13666974/

The launch for tommorow at 2:38 PM EDT is a go despite the foam problem.Ley's pray that all goes well in the launch.

I'm sorry, but I think NASA has a death wish and if I was a member of one of those astronaut's families I'd be terrified.

[gtalum]

I'd go up in a space shuttle right now if someone asked me to.

Space travel is dangerous. It always has been and likely will be for a long time to come. We have important advances to make in space, and those advances shouldn't just be put on hold while a new platform is being developed.

[gtalum]

My question is why even try and launch the shuttle during the summer in Florida? Thunderstorms are possible everyday. To me, this is a waste of money and just another threat to the lives of the astronauts.

The ISS needs frequent shuttle launches to support it. The entire ISS needs occasional boosting that only the space shuttle can provide to keep from reentering earth's atmosphere. Also, the whole thing is filling with trash and junk because the Soyuz capsules don't have enough space to bring the stuff back to earth when it's been used. Until another platform is built, we need the shuttles.

[Regit]

My question is why even try and launch the shuttle during the summer in Florida? Thunderstorms are possible everyday. To me, this is a waste of money and just another threat to the lives of the astronauts.

EXACTLY.......the Shuttle was built in Lancaster/Palmdale California *I was there in 1976 when they rolled it out for the first time, my exbrother in law worked on it, don't ask, I didn't know what he did*, tested at Edwards AFB, THEN piggy backed to Florida, which God knows HOW much it cost the taxpayers, why not launch it from "Hades" (Edwards AFB?)

Launch pads need to be a northeast-facing coasts with a vast supply of empty ocean space. This is why France's space center is located in French Guiana rather than in France.

[gtalum]

It also helps to be as near as possible to the equator. I always wondered why NASA doesn't launch from Hawaii. There's plenty of empty ocean and the weather is almost always cooperative.

[Tstormwatcher]

We have lift-off, all looking good.

[O Town]

What a great 230th bday present!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gives me chills everytime, that was just awesome!!!!
Got to see it from my house too, what a bonus the clouds cleared just in time.
Woo Hooooooooooooooo, happy 4th everyone!

[Skywatch_NC]

CONGRATULATIONS DISCOVERY & CREW!!!!

Eric

[Rainband]

CONGRATULATIONS DISCOVERY & CREW!!!!

Eric

Ditto