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We were able to get out into orbit with the help of Mission Control, but on the way back it was just us in the deck.
We burned up on re-entry.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
My guess would be that during launch and reentry the astronauts are wearing pressure suits that include a backpack, are custom fitted and probably provide padding. In orbit theres no need for padding on the seats. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Crew_Escape_Suit
Yes, they wore ACES suits[1], which are partially pressurised. Of course, at launch they wouldn't be sitting on the seats at all, they'd be lying on them. [1]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Crew_Escape_Suit
Truly amazing. What's even more amazing is how ancient the technology inside one of mankind's most incredible inventions looks compared to what we know today. It reminds me of a visit to one of Israel's Air Force bases where I got to see the F-16's up close. I couldn't believe it when we were told that pilots upon receiving coordinates, had to open up a notebook beside them and actually look it up to know where to go…
I'd like to note that the shuttle fleet received a "glass cockpit" upgrade (around 1997-1998), replacing many mechanical indicators with multi-function displays. Here's a link to a (small) side-by-side comparison: http://human-factors.arc.nasa.gov/ihi/research_groups/isis/M... Prior to the upgrade, the space shuttle looked dated compared to commercial airliners flying at the time. It's debatable whether the shuttles…
The same plane was leaking fuel out of the wing throughout the flight. Not really confidence-inspiring.
Truly amazing. What's even more amazing is how ancient the technology inside one of mankind's most incredible inventions looks compared to what we know today. It reminds me of a visit to one of Israel's Air Force bases where I got to see the F-16's up close. I couldn't believe it when we were told that pilots upon receiving coordinates, had to open up a notebook beside them and actually look it up to know where to go…
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I'd like to note that the shuttle fleet received a "glass cockpit" upgrade (around 1997-1998), replacing many mechanical indicators with multi-function displays. Here's a link to a (small) side-by-side comparison: http://human-factors.arc.nasa.gov/ihi/research_groups/isis/M... Prior to the upgrade, the space shuttle looked dated compared to commercial airliners flying at the time. It's debatable whether the shuttles…
Couple of years ago flew on an MD-80/DC-10 that had what looked like the original 1970's-era instrumentation. It did look pretty ancient. Wonder how many pilots are even qualified to fly on that, or if the qualifications are different. The same plane was leaking fuel out of the wing throughout the flight. Not really confidence-inspiring.
Back in 1996 I was part of the first class as the, now closed, Mountain View Space Camp. I was 11. When time came for the shuttle simulations, I volunteered to be pilot. After a quick 10 minute tutorial over what every button did in the deck we were off. We were able to get out into orbit with the help of Mission Control, but on the way back it was just us in the deck. We burned up on re-entry.
Back in 1996 I was part of the first class as the, now closed, Mountain View Space Camp. I was 11. When time came for the shuttle simulations, I volunteered to be pilot. After a quick 10 minute tutorial over what every button did in the deck we were off. We were able to get out into orbit with the help of Mission Control, but on the way back it was just us in the deck. We burned up on re-entry.
If anyone is interested, the X-Plane flight simulator has several space shuttle situations, such as full re-entry. X-Plane strives to be very realistic, and re-entry is very challenging. http://www.x-plane.com/
Earlier quoted context omitted.
If anyone is interested, the X-Plane flight simulator has several space shuttle situations, such as full re-entry. X-Plane strives to be very realistic, and re-entry is very challenging. http://www.x-plane.com/
There's also Orbiter, which is probably even more realistic since its main goal is realistic space flight. http://orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/