3 ms·
Yes, but why? Why not just leave them attached there?
by CWuestefeld 11y ago
Yes, but why? Why not just leave them attached there?
- Keyframe 11y agoThey probably don't function as well (at all) with covers on.
- fluxquanta 11y agoA basic quarter wave VHF antenna is about a foot and a half long (assuming this is the type of antenna used). A foot and a half long piece of wire can't be hanging off of a capsule coming through the atmosphere without burning off, as others have stated. It would need to be protected for re-entry. When it comes time to use it after the capsule lands, it can't be enclosed within a metal capsule which would undoubtedly act as a Faraday shield preventing the RF from getting outside. So the protection has to come off.
- sandworm101 11y agoThey don't want them to stay closed should they be covered by a tree branch or clump of Siberian mud. The explosive opening breaks metal bolt holding the plate on, bolts strong enough to prevent any accidental opening during landing/crashing. And, no explosives means no moving parts to get stuck.