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To: chaosagent
Is what you're trying to say is that they should move the ISS to the Shuttle?

Not exactly, I'm wondering if they both could have moved to meet in the middle.

If so, the ISS doesn't really have any propulsion capabilities, only small thrusters for stationkeeping.

The ISS has a propulsion module made by the Russians. I can't recall the name, but it starts with a "Z."

On top of that I doubt it would stay together if you tried to move it. It's not designed to move.

How else would the orbit get reboosted? Shuttles were routinely used to reboost the ISS orbit.

229 posted on 02/02/2003 9:44:08 PM PST by Moonman62
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To: Moonman62
"Is what you're trying to say is that they should move the ISS to the Shuttle?

Not exactly, I'm wondering if they both could have moved to meet in the middle.

If so, the ISS doesn't really have any propulsion capabilities, only small thrusters for stationkeeping.

The ISS has a propulsion module made by the Russians. I can't recall the name, but it starts with a "Z."

On top of that I doubt it would stay together if you tried to move it. It's not designed to move.

How else would the orbit get reboosted? Shuttles were routinely used to reboost the ISS orbit.

Here are some answers:

You could not meet in the middle because both vehicles have less that 1000ft/sec of delta-V. (In fact, I think the station has only about 300 ft/sec.) The ISS can reboost, but it up higher than the Orbiter was -- 220 or 250 NMI. Don't remember exactly. Further, it is up high like that to minimize atmospheric drag (aerodrag drops by a factor of 10 every 10 NMI you go up.

ISS does have a propulsion module but they have to be very careful using it lest they damage the station. They generally run it a low thrusts. It is only intended for reboost. Yes, Shuttles reboost the Station. It is a hairy procedure that uses the Shuttle's reaction control system, not the OMS. It takes up to an hour, and only raises the ISS's orbit by a mile.

234 posted on 02/02/2003 10:00:01 PM PST by No Truce With Kings (The opinions expressed are mine! Mine! MINE! All Mine!)
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To: Moonman62
Reboosting and completely changing the ISS's orbit are two completely different things.

It's just not possible.
238 posted on 02/02/2003 10:42:32 PM PST by chaosagent
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