Re: What determines when the shuttle has to return to earth?


David Ball wrote:

BTW, could on of those rockets that they launch from an F-15
(Pegasus?) be able to reach the LEO orbit that Columbia was in with a
small payload? Do we have some of those pre-built?

I believe your are thinking of the Vought ASAT with regard to the F15
as the carrier aircraft.
http://www.astronautix.com/lvs/asat.htm


Pegasus is launched from a modified L1011
See http://spaceflightnow.com/pegasus/st5/
One of the regulars would have to help me on the implications of
modifying the payload bay, assuming a rocket was available for
Columbia. (I think not)

Bryant

.

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