Nostalgic sight on Google Earth...

[AirDOGGe]

OFF TOPIC:


I was looking for changes in sites on Google Earth, since they update their satellite images on occasion.


I was recently looking at Cape Kennedy to see if aerial photos of the area were new enough to show changes in one of the launch pads for the new space launchers yet.

Nope. Looks like the images are still 2-3 years old. But while investigating, I saw something quite interesting to me.....The Space Shuttle sitting on one of the pads!



It would appear that the satellite shot that portion of Florida JUST AS one of the orbiters was out there for testing or in preparation for a launch. I don't think it was timed intentionally.

I found it quite a sight to see these days. To think that we will never see those birds fly ever again. What a waste.

Here's a screen capture of the lower launch pad (39A). Use Google Earth for a better view.

[TenThirtyTwo]

Re: Nostalgic sight on Google Earth...

Nice catch! It saddens me that we decommissioned the shuttles, with nothing to replace it.

[flyingjibus]

Re: Nostalgic sight on Google Earth...

The space shuttles will be replaced eventually. The money will be better spent on new, more cost effective ways to get out into orbit. Bring on the space elevator!

[Skyracer]

Re: Nostalgic sight on Google Earth...

I really wish they would concentrate on a Space Escalator as opposed to an elevator. The view would be so much better, and in the event of a power failure one could still climb the stairs.

[ignomini]

Re: Nostalgic sight on Google Earth...

"What a waste."

True, the Shuttle program was an incredible waste of money. Imagine what those solid boosters could have lifted into orbit without that ridiculous brick...I mean airplane attached.

[airtj]

Atlantis space shuttle flight deck powered up.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/NASA/Rockwell-Space-Shuttle/2065774/L/&sid=12277fa691dfc7443b4af51d096aadd7

[AirDOGGe]

Re: Nostalgic sight on Google Earth...

I really wish they would concentrate on a Space Escalator as opposed to an elevator. The view would be so much better, and in the event of a power failure one could still climb the stairs.

That would be one heck of a climb! Maybe instead of steps they could make a space-slide for the return trip. Can you say "WEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"?





Elevators, stairs, tethers or rockets,... if Obama and congress keep clipping NASA's annual allotment, then we may seen none of the above, and our space access limited to the only minimum-cost method remaining...











.

[ignomini]

Re: Nostalgic sight on Google Earth...

If you look closely, I suspect the administration is not cutting NASA's budget, just all the actual - you know - flying into space stuff.

In future, they plan to use the money to launch satellites to study the effects of satellite launches on global warming. That and "public outreach." And by public outreach, I mean all wasteful BS which has nothing to do with an actual space program.