What exactly is the challenge with tires in space ? I assume they aren't inflatable tires, but one solid piece of rubber-like material.
Thanks Lee Jay. FWIW - you are a generous person, thanks again.
It's good that we're getting some quality reports on Dreamchaser; thanks Chris and Lee Jay.Is White Knight II the only fixed wing mothership available? SCA is the only other option I can think of.
Is White Knight II the only fixed wing mothership available? SCA is the only other option I can think of.
Quote from: arachnitect on 06/09/2012 04:09 pmIs White Knight II the only fixed wing mothership available? SCA is the only other option I can think of.Orbital's L-1011?
It seems like the WKII or a B-52 are the only options for a simpler drop (compared to being carried on top). But it might be too much even for a B-52?
Regarding nose wheel steering, most ground steering (particularly during landing) on any aircraft is done by differential braking to starboard and port wheels.
Not sure if the causes for the Shuttle's issues would carryover to DC, though.Noel
Quote from: TomH on 06/09/2012 07:35 pmRegarding nose wheel steering, most ground steering (particularly during landing) on any aircraft is done by differential braking to starboard and port wheels.Yes, but the Shuttle had both differential braking and steerable nosewheels, and after 'issues' (a blowout) they started using the latter more. (More here.) Not sure if the causes for the Shuttle's issues would carryover to DC, though.Noel
Quote from: Rocket Science on 06/10/2012 12:27 amLifting Body Air and Spacecraft Q & AWith all the interest generated by Dream Chaser and its direct ancestor the HL-20 and all the other lifting body vehicles, I created this thread to discuss, inform and exchange general questions, ideas and answers as to what exactly a Lifting Body is. This is to keep the Dream Chaser threads clean and without clutter and OT topics as things get busier now. http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29126.msg914401;topicseen#newO.K., you are not being clear enough in whatever you are trying to imply and what you want us to infer. You state here that the thread was "created to discuss...what exactly a lifting body is." In the same sentence you include "...discuss, inform, and exchange general questions..." The thread title clearly references "...landing test..."Are you saying that brakes and steering are not part of landing? Are you saying that because you started the thread you feel the prerogative strictly to control the posts if they do not meet your definition of being on-topic or off-topic? Just asking, because I want to understand you with complete clarity before I respond further.
Lifting Body Air and Spacecraft Q & AWith all the interest generated by Dream Chaser and its direct ancestor the HL-20 and all the other lifting body vehicles, I created this thread to discuss, inform and exchange general questions, ideas and answers as to what exactly a Lifting Body is. This is to keep the Dream Chaser threads clean and without clutter and OT topics as things get busier now. http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29126.msg914401;topicseen#new
It is a stretch for me to believe that use of port and starboard brakes to steer caused any problem on STS.