If NASA wanted the launch today why not schedule it for the morning when the weather has a better chance of being favorable?
2006-07-01 12:41:25 · 5 answers · asked by mymadsky 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I understand orbit projection. The question was tongue in cheek.
At issue would be the objective et al. Why design a mission plan that requires take off at a time that has a 30% chance of fair weather? How much is the cost to fuel, dump and refuel the launch vehicle.
2006-07-02 08:02:38 · update #1
Well . . .. Cause NASA actually stands for, "Not Actually Scientists but Amateur -------- (fill in the blank with your favorite derogatory word)"
2006-07-01 12:46:51 · answer #1 · answered by House 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Launch window. They have to link up with the space station, so they had a 5 minute time frame this afternoon from 3:49 to 3:54 which would allow the orbits to line up.
Tomorrow is another 5 minute window, from 3:20 something..
2006-07-01 17:31:34 · answer #2 · answered by jgain 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, it does take a rocket scientist to figure out when it is safe to launch the shuttle. You can read about how they determine the launch window at http://liftoff.msfc.nasa.gov/academy/rocket_sci/launch/launch_window.html
This will explain why they don't schedule the launch for the morning.
2006-07-01 12:57:09 · answer #3 · answered by mathsmart 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps politics has a lot to do with timing the launch.
2006-07-01 12:44:37 · answer #4 · answered by papricka w 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no..not really...if i was there...than i would just look up in the sky....if i see few dark clouds than..it would be a 50/50 chance...and if you see no...clouds ...then there would be 0 chance.....
2006-07-01 12:46:24 · answer #5 · answered by soniutkarsh 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋