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Space junkies: what is the intended purpose of the shuttle given its size? It's not clear from the article.
by whistlerbrk 10y ago
Space junkies: what is the intended purpose of the shuttle given its size? It's not clear from the article.
- ajarmst 10y agoIt's a test bed. Likely a simpler/cheaper solution to the infrastructure for simulation, bench testing, aerodynamic testing, etc. that isn't as available in India as in the US. Clearly some marketing/PR value, as well. Edit - It also gives them an opportunity for all-up testing of mission communications, ground control, pad operations, etc. The US and USSR already had ample real experience with that by the time the Shuttle and ISS programs came around, but other countries do not.
- whistlerbrk 10y agoAhh, I suspect what you're saying about launch operations is much more valuable to them then testing of that vehicle. I'm guessing that a full sized model can only be truly tested in situ.