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Special escort for Space Shuttle Discovery

When the Space Shuttle Discovery returns to flight, it will have a special escort. The pair of high-flying chase planes, carrying on-board video imaging systems, dubbed the WB-57 Ascent Video Experiment (WAVE), will provide NASA with extra "eyes in the sky" to watch Discovery.

The system will capture detailed images of how the Space Shuttle behaves, as it climbs toward orbit. During the launch, the jets will keep pace with Discovery, flying at a distance of 15 to 20 miles. The WAVE systems will track the Shuttle for approximately 150 seconds, from liftoff to separation of the Solid Rocket Boosters, the power systems that provide the main thrust to lift Discovery off the pad.

posted by: kyawoo at 21:41 | link | comments (2) |
space shuttle

Comments:

#1  13 April 2005 - 22:46

 

I realize that safety has to be a top priority, but such measures seem excessive. Where is the money for this coming from? If every launch is escorted by jet fighters, I don't see how NASA will be able to stay afloat.


-Steve
Games are for Children

Anonymous

#2  14 April 2005 - 17:02

 

I don't think that every launch here on out will be escorted by jet fighters... I think that since this is the first launch after the last tragedy they are observing the exact events of the launch and how the shuttle is effected by the launch. The jets are just taking images and data… if something goes wrong- I don’t believe there is much the jets can do to assist.

NASA has always struggled with funds… but I think in order to continue any space exploration after a major incident of death and destruction- it’s essential to study the launch/craft and make improvements.

Anonymous

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