"f86sabre" (f86sabre)
08/05/2013 at 10:17 • Filed to: Spacelopnik
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"f86sabre" (f86sabre)
08/05/2013 at 10:17 • Filed to: Spacelopnik | 2
| 4 |
The Space Shuttle Enterprise sits as part of a test stack at Vandenburg Air Force Base in California as an image of what could have been. During development of the shuttle the plan was to launch DoD polar orbit missions from Vandenburg and a multi-billion dollar launch complex was built. Polar orbits are preferred for survalience satellites as it gives maximm coverage. The idea was that the stack would be assembled at the pad and then protected by a mobile service structure. The first launch was supposed to go ahead in 1986 with STS-1 pilot Bob Crippen in command. The Challenger accident changed those plans and no manned missions ever flew out of Vandenburg. Today the pad has been converted for use by the Delta IV Heavy.
Images from !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
Goshen, formerly Darkcode
> f86sabre
08/05/2013 at 10:28 |
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Could polar missions be launched from Cape Canaveral or the location presents a difference?
Jayhawk Jake
> f86sabre
08/05/2013 at 10:50 |
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Neat
desertdog5051
> f86sabre
08/05/2013 at 11:16 |
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Interesting read. Better weather in California, as well.
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f86sabre
> Goshen, formerly Darkcode
08/05/2013 at 13:26 |
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You could launch polar from anywhere, technically. California was preferred as you didn't have to fly over populated areas to do it. You go out over the water pretty much right away.