‹ BackHN Continuity

Thread

Landing the Space Shuttle – A Flying Machine and the Thrill of a Lifetime

38 points · 9 comments · JojoFatsani

Loading the complete thread in the background. This saved snapshot is available now. Refresh

  1. Founderarcstone · · focus · HN ↗
    I look forward to space shuttle advancements and one day commercial travel to the moon!
    1. euroderf · · focus · HN ↗
      I grew up in the 60s & 70s and I was SO sure I'd be able to go into orbit for (say) my 40th birthday. Pan-Am space clippers and more.

      No such luck tho. The US had the tech - but not affordably.

  2. bramhaag · · focus · HN ↗
    Related: How to Land the Space Shuttle... from Space <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;youtu.be&#x2F;Jb4prVsXkZU" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;youtu.be&#x2F;Jb4prVsXkZU
    1. gorgoiler · · focus · HN ↗
      [delayed]
  3. mrtomservo · · focus · HN ↗
    This was a long time ago, and I could be paraphrasing, but I recall someone (who knew about such things) saying the Space Shuttle was famous for having &quot;the grace and aerodynamic properties of a pair of pliers.&quot;
    1. sandworm101 · · focus · HN ↗
      It flew like a brick on final, but coming down from orbit it was still a huge improvement over previous capsules.
      1. jojobas · · focus · HN ↗
        The final approach was at about 12 degrees glide. This is about double of no-power Cessna, but still kinda shallow.
        1. cucumber3732842 · · focus · HN ↗
          Kinda funny if you think about it. The &quot;peak&quot; space vehicle of it&#x27;s time being flown by some of the best pilots and they&#x27;re approximating the approach of a student practicing an engine out landing.
          1. jojobas · · focus · HN ↗
            At triple the speed and double the approach angle, for ~6 times the sink rate. Hardly an approximation.
  4. ksudb · · focus · HN ↗

    [dead]

Open on Hacker News to reply ↗

Unofficial Hacker News client; not affiliated with Y Combinator.