Re: Technical error in tonight's Geneshaft

Glenn Shaw <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> shaped the electrons to say:
>it does *not* mean that it could *never* be refitted to perform missions
>to the ISS.

It could reach the ISS and could be refitted, sure.

>massive solar arrays). Columbia would have by then been retrofitted with
>the equipment 
>needed to rendezvous and dock with the ISS, had the orbiter landed
>safely on that cold 
>February day.

Odd, everything I'd read has NASA saying it wasn't worth the cost of
refitting Columbia to reach the ISS since they had 3 shuttles that
already could and they were just going to reserve Columbia for LEO
missions - satellite launches, hubble servicing, etc.  That way they
didn't tie up an ISS capable shuttle for those missions (when Columbia
coudl meet the schedule anyway), and they didn't spend extra money on
refitting Columbia since money was tight.

Poking around the net I've seen STS-118 attributed to Atlantis,
Discovery, and Endeavour.  So I don't know that I trust any of them.

I tried searching NASA's website, but I couldn't find anything
worthwhile.  I know they publish planned launch schedules.  Well, I
found a current posting - but, of course, it shows most future
missions as 'under review'.

Ah - I found this: http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewnews.html?id=647

Looks like NASA did decide to update Columbia after all.  Well, I
hadn't heard that, obviously.  So the goof wasn't a goof. :-)

Ah, I did more digging...

Columbia was refit to carry the ISS docking ring in her last refit.
But she wasn't being used to go to the ISS, and hadn't been fit with
the ring, because her reduced lift meant she couldn't reach the ISS
with most of the components.  However, STS-118 was to carry only a
truss segment - and that is one of the lighter components.  So
Columbia would have been able to lift it to the ISS.  STS-118 was also
to be the ned 'Educator in Space' (what they're calling 'Teacher in
Space' now) mission.

-MZ, RHCE #806199299900541, ex-CISSP #3762
-- 
<URL:mailto:megazoneatmegazone.org> Gweep, Discordian, Author, Engineer, me.
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<URL:http://www.megazone.org/>  <URL:http://www.eyrie-productions.com/> Eris