Landing for STS-114

[georgeniebling]

Where is the intended landing site for the RTF?<br /><br />Edwards (nice long runways) or Kennedy (to speed turn-around time for use as STS-301 Rescue Flight)

 

[najab]

The intention is to land at KSC whenever possible.

 

[georgeniebling]

well, of course, that's (almost) always been the case ...<br /><br />I was curious as to intention specifically related to RTF.

 

[SpaceKiwi]

I believe the only change to re-entry and landing has been a slight modification of the flight path to keep the Orbiter away from densely populated areas on the ground as it tracks eastward towards KSC.<br /><br />As najaB says, there is no specific change to the rules dictating where Discovery will land and, as such, KSC remains the Prime landing site for all missions going forward. Bear in mind the RTF effort has been geared towards eliminating potential causes of damage to the Orbiter in the first instance. Provided this has been achieved (as I think we all feel confident it has been), it will be a 100% healthy Orbiter awaiting the de-orbit burn command. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em><font size="2" color="#ff0000">Who is this superhero?  Henry, the mild-mannered janitor ... could be!</font></em></p><p><em><font size="2">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</font></em></p><p><font size="5">Bring Back The Black!</font></p> </div>

 

[Testing]

SG, if KSC is scrubbed, how much notice would us Californians have to get to Edwards? I can be there in a bit over an hour and it's been a long time from the last one. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[najab]

><i>If KSC is scrubbed, how much notice would us Californians have to get to Edwards?</i><p>I'm going from memory here, but I think that the 1st deorbit burn opportunity into EAFB is a quarter rev or so after the last KSC op, so it would be like 1/2 an hour at the very least. But, I don't think they can set up for the KSC op, wave off and set up for EAFB on the same rev, so they would have to wait for the next rev, so it's more likely to be about 2 hours or so.</p>

 

[Testing]

Well then, since Florida is up for another record 'caine season I have a chance. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[mah_fl]

Who says its going to be a record Hurricane season ? I heard it maybe above average but that does not guarantee records will be broken. As you see from my username I am in Florida.

 

[Testing]

Yessir, I will re -word to above average. I'll trade your 'caines for our earthquakes. At least you know they're on the way and have some warning. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[drwayne]

For me, a "record" hurricane season is when they hit my home, as Ivan did. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /><br /><br />Wayne <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>"1) Give no quarter; 2) Take no prisoners; 3) Sink everything."  Admiral Jackie Fisher</p> </div>