A Coign of Vantage: consider Proximity in Space & time
General dimensions of the SCA with the orbiter vehicle
Credit: NASA
A Ferry to Remember
It was September 1968 when the very first Boeing 747 rolled out of the factory in Everett, WA. Of course a commercial Boeing 747 doesn't need a second plane to fly in front of it to monitor weather pattern changes, but the SCA does. A "Pathfinder" aircraft flies about 100 miles ahead of the SCA because the shuttle tiles can be irreversibly damaged by rain. Eventually, a meteorologist was even part of the more than 40-member entourage accompanying the shuttle on these special flights. This piggyback ride is more technically challenging than most because the passenger has some very unique traits.
The entire interior of the SCA is empty: the seats and the galley are entirely removed to save weight. In addition there are structural reinforcements inside the SCA at the shuttle attachment points where the two vessels meet. The assembly process of mating the SCA to the shuttle takes about a week. Once in flight, the SCA requires multiple pit stops for refueling to make the coast-to-coast journey due to speed limitations and strict weight requirements.
By the end of her flight career, the reusable Shuttle Endeavour had completed an impressive
25 space missions. Today Endeavour shares her legacy with people of all ages from around the world at her Los Angeles home in the California Science Center.
Endeavour ended a stellar career in 2012 after a final ferry flight into history.
Credit: NASA
Sturdy
Without a structurally sound scaffold, we cannot possibly create A SAFE SPACE
Shuttle orbiter is raised in a gantry assembly for the SCA to position underneath.
Credit: NASA
Misfit
A Hypothetical
As newlyweds, my husband and I wanted to purchase a 400 sq ft studio in Back Bay as a pied-à-terre (or a rental property for later). The location was perfect: steps away from Newbury Street. When we attended the open house, the agent caught me staring at a spot in the wall above the kitchen faucet. “Disposal,” she murmured under her breath. I smiled at her, aimed my phone (see photo), then squeezed my husband’s hand twice in rapid succession.
We left immediately. Why?
A set of dimmers