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NASA Shuttle Specific Sections => Atlantis (Post STS-135, T&R) => Topic started by: William Graham on 08/21/2007 05:48 pm

Title: STS-117 distance travelled at landing
Post by: William Graham on 08/21/2007 05:48 pm

Hi,

Does anyone know how far Atlantis travelled during STS-117. I've seen the approximate figure, but I'm looking for it to the nearest mile, as I have seen for several other missions.

Title: Re: STS-117 distance travelled at landing
Post by: GLS on 08/23/2007 04:15 pm

If you want a precise number forget about it... the number the PAOs use is just a simple calculation based on average orbital altitude and the number of orbits (the orbiter doesn't have an odometer)... it's just a *ball park* number with little precision, and for that anyone can make the math....

Title: Re: STS-117 distance travelled at landing
Post by: Rocket Guy on 08/23/2007 04:41 pm

Actually, Diller (KSC PAO) did read out the exact number after touchdown, down to the mile. However, I did not record it so I can't answer your question.

Title: Re: STS-117 distance travelled at landing
Post by: MKremer on 08/23/2007 04:50 pm

Quote

Ben - 23/8/2007  11:41 AM

Actually, Diller (KSC PAO) did read out the exact number after touchdown, down to the mile. However, I did not record it so I can't answer your question.

But was that a precise # down to an exact +/- 1 mile, or a rough overall # based on average orbit plots for the mission?

(edit to add) I don't see what use calculating a precise distance would be, other than being an additional interesting statistic.

Title: Re: STS-117 distance travelled at landing
Post by: GLS on 08/23/2007 05:37 pm

Quote

MKremer - 23/8/2007  5:50 PM

Quote

Ben - 23/8/2007  11:41 AM

Actually, Diller (KSC PAO) did read out the exact number after touchdown, down to the mile. However, I did not record it so I can't answer your question.

But was that a precise # down to an exact +/- 1 mile, or a rough overall # based on average orbit plots for the mission?

(edit to add) I don't see what use calculating a precise distance would be, other than being an additional interesting statistic.

I think it's average orbital altitude and number of orbits. To come up with a precise figure you would have to really crunch the numbers (accelerations, times) and in the end you would come up with a figure that still isn't perfect and doesn't really have any use....
For statistics you should use time, not distance.

Title: RE: STS-117 distance travelled at landing
Post by: mainengine on 08/30/2007 05:59 pm

5.8 million according to mr. harwood.

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts117/070622landing/