Thread

1. mrtomservo · 1789692270 · 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 "the grace and aerodynamic properties of a pair of pliers."

   1. sandworm101 · 1789694490 · 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 · 1789700597 · 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 · 1789725716 · focus · HN ↗

            Kinda funny if you think about it. The "peak" space vehicle of it's time being flown by some of the best pilots and they're approximating the approach of a student practicing an engine out landing.

            1. jojobas · 1789729256 · focus · HN ↗

               At triple the speed and double the approach angle, for ~6 times the sink rate. Hardly an approximation.

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