2 questions, Space Shuttle got me thinking about

[SkyHog]

1) Does the space shuttle have to contact ATC when in Class A, B, C and D airspace?

2) Am I imagining it, or is Orlando's Class D airspace freaking huge?

 

[tonycondon]

I think they just talk to NASA flight controllers on the way down. they would be getting handed off every couple seconds if they didnt. ATC just clears a path. Most of their approach is over the Gulf I think but western FL ATC probably just shuts down all traffic within their corridor.

 

[Skip Miller]

I think they just talk to NASA flight controllers on the way down. they would be getting handed off every couple seconds if they didnt. ATC just clears a path. Most of their approach is over the Gulf I think but western FL ATC probably just shuts down all traffic within their corridor.

They don't have a lot of airspace to worry about. The shuttle glides like a rock; its flight path is pretty vertical. NOTAMs keep most commercial flights out of the way.

-Skip

 

[Ken Ibold]

They don't have a lot of airspace to worry about. The shuttle glides like a rock; its flight path is pretty vertical. NOTAMs keep most commercial flights out of the way.

-Skip

IIRC, it's still at 30,000 as it passes Orlando, which is some 45 miles from landing.

And now I have an excuse to dredge up this oldie but goodie:

 

[tonycondon]

given it has about a 3:1 glide ratio, it better be a heck of a lot higher than 30,000 over orlando. something more like 15 miles (90,000 feet) would be more like it.

 

[Steve]

1. Above 60,000' ATC isn't in control. With the steep descent angle the Shuttle uses there isn't much opportunity to talk to ATC (unless it is on the back of the 747 carrier aircraft). The airspace is NOTAM'd "restricted" SUA around the arrival zone during landings and the AF provides "surveillance aircraft" to ensure compliance (including AC-130s). The Shuttle is only 30nm from the landing site when it descends below 60,000'.

http://www.isr.umd.edu/NEXTOR/pubs/RR-98-13.pdf

2. The Orlando Class B extends, at most, 30 nm, from the ORL VOR which is comparable to the mode C veil for most Class B airspace. It just looks bigger because FL is narrow, imho.

http://www.faa.gov/ats/mcoatct/ClassB.htm

Shuttle Entry sequence:

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/shuttle/reference/shutref/events/entry/

 

[EdFred]

What I love about the approach plate is the notes:

Prior permission required
Missed Approach N/A