First let me say how much I appreciate all the very high quality information posted to this list. I learn something with every post. I am still wondering about the possibility of an escape to ISS. Yes, the orbits are significantly different. But, while NASA says that Columbia was too heavy to reach ISS, this is based on getting there and back to Earth again, and in a short time frame. This is also based on staying within NASA's very conservative safety and performance parameters. If, flight day one, it was decided that Columbia was mortally damaged, then standard flight safety margins are no longer useful. Making the most economical use of propellant, using time windows when the orbits were advantageous, using even preturbations from Sun and Moon, all would take time, but they would have two weeks or more to do it. ISS has some manoeuvering ability also, would this not help? I am remembering the tremendous job of "momentum management" NASA performed with the Skylab back in the old days. Certainly, this would be on a case-by-case basis, as the launch time vs. Ap vs. RAAN of both vehicles would be critical. But could it have been done - this time? best regards to all, Curt "Those who would give up liberty, for safety, deserve neither, and will soon have none." - Dr. Benjamin Franklin - 1776 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Unsubscribe from SeeSat-L by sending a message with 'unsubscribe' in the SUBJECT to SeeSat-L-request@lists.satellite.eu.org http://www.satellite.eu.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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