SHUTTLE LESS THAN 30 MINS FROM TOUCHDOWN.

space.com ^ | Dec 7,2002 | self

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Right now, they're using spray paint to mark the pavement where the wheels came to rest on the runway. Kind of weird, they record the exact place that the space shuttle stops.

[cactusSharp]

always wondered two things
when back in gravity after six months weighless
is a serious poop ,well serious
and two.....wish there were microphones
to hear the take off and decent and the space work

[petuniasevan]

That's normal. They're just "safing the vehicle" and performing all the checklist tasks. It's a CONTROLLED chaos.

Only when all that is done - inside and outside - will the flight crew and ISS crew disembark.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

And it is newsworthy why......

Because there is a crew of American scientists aboard the most technologically complex piece of equipment ever built by man, hurtling towards the Earth at approximately 17,500 mph. That's why. Just thought I'd point that out, since you asked.

[Lokibob]

They spay paint where the wheels came to rest so the surveyers can come in and get the exact location. The exact location is used to settle the office pools in NASA. big bucks. (all this is speculation)

[coloradan]

However, a lot of vehicles are surrounding the landed shuttle and people seem to be milling about

One of the shuttle's rocket fuels is a derivative of hydrazine and it's extremely toxic. One of the many things they have to do is check the craft for leaks or uncombusted fuel before they let the astronauts out, or it will poison them.

[Tennessee_Bob]

Hydrazine is fun - ask any F-16 mechanic.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

I like it! I'm an engineer. I'm going to start this as a rumor on Monday. I have a few enginerd buddies that will buy this lock, stock, and barrel.

[rabidralph]

25 mins from touchdown.

And Navy just might score 25 touchdowns. LOL! Go, Navy!

[rwfromkansas]

I am not saying it isn't cool. I just was questioning why it deserved to be in breaking news when shuttles fly all the time.

[Willie Green]

I just was questioning why it deserved to be in breaking news when shuttles fly all the time.

Maybe it has to do with the budget deficit.

[Joe Hadenuf]

I am not saying it isn't cool. I just was questioning why it deserved to be in breaking news when shuttles fly all the time.

Of course this is breaking news. The shuttle as you call it, is one of the biggest hallmarks of American technology ever.

It is one of the most sophisticated space craft man has ever developed. Something for Americans to be very proud of.

Oh, and a shuttle launch and landing, is NEVER routine.