2007-09-22 17:04:29 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I think Nasa has launched most if not all of them.
2007-09-22 17:08:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Spy satellites are launched by the military. NASA is a civilian agency and although it does coporate with the military on some missions they are not the classified types.
As to the shuttle, it was designed with the military paylaod in mind but after the Challenger disaster the military decided to not use the shuttle at all. Considering how expensive a shuttle launch is, nobody really wants to use it as a launch vehicle if it can be avoided.
2007-09-23 02:17:43 · answer #2 · answered by zi_xin 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, it's both. Most satellites are launched from places such as Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The very largest satellites can only be launched with the Space Shuttle at the present time. In fact, one of the design considerations of the Space Shuttle was it's ability to be able to carry specific military payloads. At this time, the Space Shuttle is mostly tied up with supporting the International Space Station and no military payloads are currently planned (that I know of...check the NASA website).
2007-09-23 01:10:48 · answer #3 · answered by Patrick M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The military launches their own. NASA used to launch some for them on the Shuttle, but no longer.
2007-09-23 00:43:08 · answer #4 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋