Space Shuttle.

Bob Noel wrote:

In article ,
"Oz Lander" wrote:

How do you propose to slow the shuttle down from orbital velocity?

That I guess answers my question then. I was not aware that such
high speeds were required to just stay in orbit. What would it take
to slow the shuttle down whilst in orbit, enough to allow it to
re-enter at a slower speed?

It would require a large amount of fuel, way more than we can
currently afford to put into orbit.

Question answered. Thanks.
I guess that's where the solar sail technology might one day come in
handy.

--
Oz Lander.
Straight and Level Down Under Forum.
http://www.straightandleveldownunder.net

Oz Lander" wrote Question answered. Thanks.
I guess that's where the solar sail technology might one day come in
handy.

Not really.

The whole idea behind a solar sail, is to exert a tiny force on a spacecraft
for a very long time, and accelerate it for a long trip between planets.

It would be able to do nothing for slowing down for re-entry.

Really, the ONLY answer is a thrust with tons of force exerted over a very
short time period. Right now, that is chemical burning of something,
and........ that's it!

The other thing left is aero braking, which is what we do now, and have done
for all past programs, and has been done by the Soviets.
--
Jim in NC