fivetide

iTrader: (1)

Only a few million miles on the clock too

http://m.theatlantic.com/infocus/201...uttles/100271/

EddScott

What a shame.

Are we ever going to see an reuseable vehicle like that again in our lifetime?

speedking

Great photos. I didn't know Ricky Gervais was involved, #22.

Tidgy

tis sad and ashame, major backward step in space exploration

urban

iTrader: (1)

Unlikely I'd say.

[-(o)-]

iTrader: (1)

A loss yes, but karma IMHO.

Lets take this opportunity to remember another step backwards.

dunx

iTrader: (3)

So much "fail" in one thread.... till we get a "Star Trek" transporter sorted we are stuck down here for my lifetime.

dunx

Hanley

They're hardly off to the scrapyard

fivetide

iTrader: (1)

Breakers suit?

One to the smithsonian at least but certainly being dismantled and stripped.

Just thought people would like the pics, few aviation fans on here, plus I was amazed by how battered Discovery looks!

5t.

Hanley

Don't get me wrong 5t the pics are amazing

What I meant to say was they'll still be available to see in the museums they're being transported to.

fivetide

iTrader: (1)

No worries. It's only mentioned one going to a mueseum. Not sure how you'd transport them out of the US without strapping it to a jumbo and I can't see them justifying the cost.

slightly morose about it all really!

5t.

Hanley

Starting next month, NASA will begin delivering its four Space Shuttle orbiters to their final destinations. After an extensive decommissioning process, the fleet -- which includes three former working spacecraft and one test orbiter -- is nearly ready for public display. On April 17, the shuttle Discovery will be attached to a modified 747 Jumbo Jet for transport to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Virginia. Endeavour will go to Los Angeles in mid-September, and in early 2013, Atlantis will take its place on permanent display at Florida's Kennedy Space Center. Test orbiter Enterprise will fly to New York City next month. Gathered here are images of NASA's final days spent processing the Space Shuttle fleet.

super_ted

iTrader: (30)

Great photos.

timmyajmy93wrx

iTrader: (27)

Great photos, as mentioned hardly likely to see anything like that again anytime soon

mgcvk

I reckon I could get most of that stuff in my blue and brown recycling bins. Pikeys would have the rest.

RobsyUK

iTrader: (2)

Interesting they swap the engines for fakes.. Not into saving money are they ?

ScoobyWon't

Instead of stripping out all of the control systems, couldn't they just take the key out of the ignition?

Leslie

When I stood underneath one of the rockets which was being prepared at Cape Canaveral, each of the five rocket motors was the size of a small room. To see the size and complexity of the entire space vehicle, I found that I had nothing but sheer admiration for all those who managed to make it all work successfully.

Les