Endangered species prepare for launch

Scientists unlock chromosome management techniques
Nanophotonics spawns a new class of silicon devices
Paper transistor puts ink on notice

Search R&D

Search Tips

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Magazine
The R&D Daily
Laboratory Design
Awards

Endangered species prepare for launch

Even at the height of the Space Shuttle Program, the sight of two shuttles on Launch Pads A and B at the same time was rare. Now that the program is scheduled for retirement in about two years, it may the last time such a photograph is possible.

Shown in the foreground is Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad A. The shuttle in the background is Endeavour, on Launch Pad B. Currently, both shuttles are locked and loaded for launch, should something go wrong up in space with the Oct. 11 Atlantis mission. When the ISS is not available for rescue purposes, as it might not be for this mission, a second shuttle is made ready for a quick launch.

More details at Tom’s Astronomy Blog, http://tomsastroblog.com/?p=1969

SOURCE: Gizmodo