STSprog/fut_v_bw_o_n (ca. 1970, Boeing (Lockheed) photo no. P 45858)
“Models show a configuration of reusable space shuttle craft being studied by a Boeing/Lockheed team. Larger model is the winged first-stage booster. Smaller model is a delta-bodied orbiter. Belly-to-belly both craft would ride up to an altitude of about 200,000 feet on the booster’s rocket engines. The orbiter would then separate, ignite its own rocket engines and continue on into space carrying men and supplies. Both craft would return to earth making airplane-type landings and be ready for another space mission.”
Okay, so this is both pathetic & somewhat impressive; the conspicuous lighter colored feature to the upper right is Rosamond dry lake, the major roadway being Route 14/Aerospace Hwy (appropriately enough), it leading into the discernible metropolitan area...Lancaster, CA., to the lower right.
Maybe not so amazing actually...for s & g's, I just pulled up a satellite map view of Edwards AFB & voila…Rosamond dry lake being a mere 15 miles from EAFB. Still pretty pathetic though.
For the most part, the photo is oriented with north toward the upper right.
STSprog/fut_v_bw_o_n (ca. 1970, Boeing (Lockheed) photo no. P 45858)
“Models show a configuration of reusable space shuttle craft being studied by a Boeing/Lockheed team. Larger model is the winged first-stage booster. Smaller model is a delta-bodied orbiter. Belly-to-belly both craft would ride up to an altitude of about 200,000 feet on the booster’s rocket engines. The orbiter would then separate, ignite its own rocket engines and continue on into space carrying men and supplies. Both craft would return to earth making airplane-type landings and be ready for another space mission.”
Okay, so this is both pathetic & somewhat impressive; the conspicuous lighter colored feature to the upper right is Rosamond dry lake, the major roadway being Route 14/Aerospace Hwy (appropriately enough), it leading into the discernible metropolitan area...Lancaster, CA., to the lower right.
Maybe not so amazing actually...for s & g's, I just pulled up a satellite map view of Edwards AFB & voila…Rosamond dry lake being a mere 15 miles from EAFB. Still pretty pathetic though.
For the most part, the photo is oriented with north toward the upper right.