2006-09-03 11:57:49 · 9 answers · asked by Als 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
In the strict sense of the term, the shuttle cannot "divert" to an alternate landing site at all. Once they fire the OMS engines to leave orbit, they are committed to the site chosen. The re-entry path is quite specific for a given landing site. They cannot change their minds after leaving orbit.
If they are waiting for the weather to clear in order to land at Cape Canaveral, and then decide to land at Edwards AFB, they have to make a partial, but almost full, orbit to fire the OMS engines at the correct time to land at Edwards. Edwards is further west and therefore they must start the descent sooner.
2006-09-03 13:39:25 · answer #1 · answered by Otis F 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well all the answers are good....so we know what this means....more side line information..
Edwards, Kennedy Space Center, or any other sight is decided before the shuttle leaves orbit. When it leaves orbit, it is on final approach, and commited to that sight. It is worse than a glider, it is a falling brick with a tail. One shot charlie, no fly arounds. Sub orbit it would not have the ability to go another orbit around the earth.
2006-09-03 23:29:26 · answer #2 · answered by orion_1812@yahoo.com 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The shuttle needs to line up for the new landing site. It does not have avionics like, say an F-18, and cannot make rapid adjustments to get to the new site, so gradual adjustments are facilitated by the longer trip.
2006-09-03 19:02:39 · answer #3 · answered by Dino4747 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. It does not because being that it is on final approach and the fact that it does not have the main engine external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters still attached, it does not have the power needed to re-establish earth orbit. It has to be already lined up to the alternative landing site before making its final approach. The call to divert is made before they initiate the sequence of events leading up to landing.
2006-09-03 19:10:48 · answer #4 · answered by redeaglesoaring2004 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
2 points 4 me
2006-09-03 19:08:07 · answer #5 · answered by timone 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the shuttle is flying 100s of miles per hour.
It doesn't exactly stop on a dime.
2006-09-03 19:03:16 · answer #6 · answered by Firefly 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, I think they have an alternative available before taking off, a bit like.....if a big mac is not available can I get a whopper instead?
2006-09-07 18:49:23 · answer #7 · answered by lady_in_blue_109 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is just a glider when landing and has no power to make adjustments when it is in the atmosphere.
2006-09-03 19:04:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They need time to inform the nearest Taco Bell of their arrival. Tacos are the primary reason astronauts want to come back to earth.
2006-09-03 19:04:31 · answer #9 · answered by The Man 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋