I mean, come on. Rain, storms, winds, GAH! Why not set up some base in the middle of Arizona or New Mexico and launch the shuttle from there? Better weather, fewer delays, what's the catch?
2006-07-02 04:43:47 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Bernie : English, please? I'm not that familiar with physics :(
Reloaded : True, but Florida has hurricanes and thunderstorms and NASA doesn't seem to have a problem with that.
2006-07-02 04:51:03 · update #1
The selection of a lunching site is subject to many considerations.The closer to the equator you launch, the better boost you get from the rotation of the Earth. In USA Florida launch site is suited to east-west orbits, and the Vandenburg for polar orbits. Lanching to the northwest from Vandenburg, over the Pacific, you negate the rotation and acquire a north-south orbit. In India also the Shriharikota launching site has been selected on similr cosideration e.g its proximity to the equator. The mere availability of ample open space or the more or less stead atmosphere are of secondary importance.
2006-07-02 05:49:11 · answer #1 · answered by Prabhakar G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Originally the shuttle was planned to launch from either Cape Canaveral, Florida, or Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
The Florida launch site is suited to east-west orbits, where the Vandenburg site would have been used for polar orbits. You see, the closer to the equator you launch, the better boost you get from the rotation of the Earth. By launching to the northwest from Vandenburg, over the Pacific, you negate the rotation and acquire a north-south orbit.
Not sure why they abandoned the polar orbit launch site, but I can guess it had a lot to do with money.
2006-07-02 04:53:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the for safety of people on the ground they must launch over the ocean. That way the solid rocket boosters land in the water an not somebodies back yard. Also, if it crashes it crashes in the ocean where there are no buildings or people. The biggest desert is just too small.
2006-07-02 06:40:14 · answer #3 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you mean like the vandeburg shuttle launch facility?
you need a spot near the equator to get max benefit from earth's roation. you need a spot where an easterly launch is unlikely cause a major PR disaster if something goes horribly wrong. you need a spot with powerful political representation at the time the pork was being doled out. you need a spot with vast amounts of cheap land. you need a spot with easy delivery systems (barges to bring the huge solid rocket sections) and it doesn't hurt to be a spot where a large number of trained professionals would enjoy living.
But mainly you need a spot as close to the equator as you can get. and as few people directly east of it as possible.
2006-07-07 22:28:41 · answer #4 · answered by samsyn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the shuttle stays at over 99 degrees for too long it can't launch
2006-07-02 04:48:16 · answer #5 · answered by tspbrady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you think about it, there would be sand storms galore. Also, launching a shuttle in 100F-110F, could be hazardous. Heat strokes, dehydration, and problems with the shuttle and launch pad heating up.
2006-07-02 04:54:42 · answer #6 · answered by Person 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The biggest concern is what happens if the shuttle comes apart during the time it is gaining altitude. The desert in the US is not anywhere as large as the ocean.
2006-07-02 04:50:54 · answer #7 · answered by oil field trash 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah that always seemed stupid to me too
why not somewhere with nice weather Kona Hawaii very nice there
they could launch it from the old airport
2006-07-02 05:11:12 · answer #8 · answered by Majenta 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
think about that . DESERT AREA . do ya want to a sand strom during a launch ?
2006-07-02 04:47:16 · answer #9 · answered by reloaded 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not possible due to inverted light refractory conditions.
2006-07-02 04:49:16 · answer #10 · answered by Bernie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋