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There goes lunch…

By Janice Wood · January 14, 2005 ·

Can you imagine 200 hours of somersaults?

Unusual attitudes are one thing, but how would you like to perform nose-over-tail somersaults in the Space Shuttle?

The return to flight rehearsals for the Space Shuttle now include that maneuver. The idea is that the flip will expose the underside of the shuttle for tile inspection. A lost tile is blamed for the destruction of the Shuttle Columbia on reentry in 2003.

NASA teams are also practicing docking, launching, space walks and landing events in preparation for the next mission.

About 200 hours of simulations are planned.

About Janice Wood

Janice Wood is editor of General Aviation News.

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