> Just one of the cool things about working at Edwards AFB is getting to see
> the various space shuttle activities; scheduled landings are getting to be
> increasingly rare; now that Kennedy SC has upgraded their landing
> infrastructure. The only reason we get a landing here is because of weather
> at Kennedy.  Did you know that during the 90 minute re-entry period a severe
[...snip..]

Thanks for that eloquent review of the orbiter landing!!  I work at JSC
and the only time I have seen the (any) orbiter up close and personal
is when the 747 piggyback lands in Houston for the flight back to
Florida.  You're right, the Shuttle on the 747 is an impressive sight,
especially from a pilot's point of view.  One of these days I'll make it
to Florida for a launch and maybe even a landing.

VWcontent?  I drive my VW to the airport to see the Shuttle, of course...

Joachim
--
I'm not an engineer, but I play one at work.