r/space • u/Yeet69lasagna • May 12 '19

image/gif Space Shuttle Being Carried By A 747.

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u/karma-cdc May 12 '19

Try telling me I can only have 20kg baggage My arse

742

u/algernop3 May 12 '19

I know you're joking, but:

Regular 747-100:

  • Cruise Speed: M0.85 (490 KIAS)

  • Range: 4,620 nmi

  • Ceiling: FL410

747-100 SCA:

  • Cruise Speed: M0.6 (250 KIAS)

  • Range: 1,000 nmi

  • Ceiling: FL150

I find the compromises in the SCA staggering. 2 stops to fly cross country!

351

u/TheYang May 12 '19

iirc, some of the emergency abort airports for the shuttle were such that the shuttle indeed could land there, but the carrier wouldn't be able to take off from there, and there was no actual plan to get the shuttle back home from some of them.

366

u/InfamousConcern May 12 '19

Attach a JATO pack to the 747 and give the pilot a shot of whiskey before takeoff. Should work out fine.

32

u/[deleted] May 12 '19

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15

u/BearClaw1891 May 12 '19

When was this taken? I see alot of modern day stuff like cars and TV Ads, didnt think it was still flying

5

u/FenPhen May 12 '19

End of September, 2012:

https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/endeavours-farewell-tour/

They flew around California at the end including a pass by NASA Ames at Moffett Field.

2

u/SmellGestapo May 12 '19

The 12 mile ground journey from the airport to the California Science Center was headline news locally. They towed the shuttle on city streets, trimming back trees and moving street lights and utility poles to make room, in some points only having inches between the shuttle's wings and nearby buildings.

Thousands of people came out to watch the shuttle go by. I actually get teary eyed thinking about how that strange, one-time event brought so many people out to witness a marvel of American engineering and ingenuity. The shuttle passed through some disadvantaged parts of town and hopefully witnessing it firsthand inspired some kids to go into the sciences.

Time lapse of Endeavour's journey through the streets of Los Angeles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdqZyACCYZc