Posts: 24 From: Jackson, MS USA Registered: Dec 2002 posted
December 15, 2006 10:41 PM In watching the orbital track of
Discovery/ISS on NASA TV, the track looks like a sine wave.
Obviously, this is because the circular orbital track is being
superimposed on a flat map. When the shuttle launches or lands,
it is heading northeast in the 52 degree inclination. However,
when you watch the track of the ISS/shuttle combination, there
appear to be periods where the orbital track takes it in a
southeast direction over North America. Is it possible to
launch/land the shuttle in this "opposite" inclination (i.e. in
the "downward" portion of the orbital track)? I presume that it
is possible but they do not do it because of the lack of a TAL
possibility. Any thoughts or information appreciated. Thanks.