Since the shuttles and rockets are launced from Kennedy Space Center, why does Nasa use Houston as its main center once missions are underway. Is it because Cape Canaveral is vulnerable to hurricanes?
2007-01-11 16:06:18 · 4 answers · asked by Steve 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Because LBJ was from Texas and very powerful in the Congress when the location was picked. If you look you will find NASA space facilities and manufacturing companies are usually located in states that will make happy senators with important votes. While the launch site, if in the US has to be on the coast of Florida to get the greatest boost from the spin of the earth and to launch over water for safety, the command post can be anywhere as it works by radio links from stations around the world.
2007-01-11 16:13:17 · answer #1 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
When choosing a location for the Space Center, essential criteria included the availability of water transport and a first-class all-weather airport, proximity to a major telecommunications network, a well established pool of industrial and contractor support, a readily available supply of water, a mild climate permitting year-round outdoor work and a culturally attractive community. Some 23 sites were initially selected as possibilities including Jacksonville, Miami, Baton Rouge, Corpus Christi, San Diego; and San Francisco. Houston was the eventual choice.
Hurricanes or the lack thereof apparently had no part in the choice as Houston had suffered significant damage and flooding from Hurricane Carla just days before NASA's site committee reviewed the area.
2007-01-12 00:17:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
The main reason was Lyndon B. Johnson. The influential Texas politician wanted his state to have a good piece of the space business with its many jobs and contracts even though logistically, it'd have made more sense for the Space Center to be in Central Florida. A quote from the source cited below:
"NASA's center in Houston has its origins in legislation shepherded to enactment in 1958 by then-U.S. Senator Lyndon Baines Johnson, who was from Texas. JSC, then called simply the "Manned Spacecraft Center," was opened in 1961 and subsequently renamed the "Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center" in 1973, the year Johnson died."
2007-01-12 00:19:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cuz "Hoboken we have a problem" sounds hella lame!
2007-01-12 00:53:41 · answer #4 · answered by Jonny 41 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋