Getting the shuttle back to Florida

Factual Questions
1

I’ve always wondered. How do they get the shuttle back to FL from Edward’s AFB? Do they just simply fly it back? Tow it? Teleportation. What?

Thanks

2

piggyback

3

I think fly it back. I heard it will cost a million dollars to take it back.

4

You should read the thread (currently active in GQ) on comparing the weight the space shuttle to the weight of a 747-worth of passengers and luggage for a Doper oriented description of transporting the shuttle piggyback. (We have a Doper who was actively involved in the transport one time in the past who contributes to this thread. I’m too lazy to doublecheck and tell you which Doper it is).

5

I’ve seen a shuttle on a 747 fairly up close and personal, years ago. What surprised me was how small the shuttle was in comparison to the plane. They seem so big, but they’re not, really.

6

Endeavor spent the night at Jacksonville AFB once due to weather. The pilot circled Little Rock the next morning. It was extremley cool. :slight_smile: