Re: [amsat-bb] Nasa keeps shuttle launch time secret

[Richard Elling <Richard.Elling@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

As I recall, there were only one or two classified missions ever
flown.  I believe the first was STS-4, but I think the DoD lost
interest after that.  Back then there was no ISS or Hubble to
catch so it was a little bit harder to predict from afar.
Near the Cape, however, it is pretty obvious when things
are getting close.  You can't just sneak out of the VAB under
cover of darkness and launch :-)  The countdown has a certain
number of visible events which happen hours before launch.
  -- richard

WL7M wrote:

> This has been standard procedure for classified launches, and in these 
> times since 9-11, perhaps a portent of the future?
> 
> Joe  WL7M
> Colonel, USAF (Ret)
> 
> At 11:41 AM 02-04-02, Thomas H. Busch wrote:
> 
>> I seem to recall they did this before, when they were launching 
>> classified
>> payloads.
>>
>> I'm not sure what keeping the launch time a secret does there, though.
>>
>> I don't remember them doing it for years.
>>
>> Tom Busch WB8WOR
>> ----


----
Via the amsat-bb mailing list at AMSAT.ORG courtesy of AMSAT-NA.
To unsubscribe, send "unsubscribe amsat-bb" to Majordomo@amsat.org