Space Shuttle Enterprise Landing Test - Photo

Space Shuttle Enterprise Landing Test 

Dimensions: 8" x 10"

Plane Type: Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier & Space Shuttle Enterprise


In probably the most critical test of the as yet untried Space Shuttle, the orbiter "Enterprise" is released from its highly modified 747 carrier aircraft for its approach and landing test in actual flight configuration. Without the streamlined tailcone used on previous test flights there would be increased buffeting on the 747 shuttle carrier and the descent profile for the orbiter would be much steeper. At 20,300 feet shuttle pilot Joe Engle released the orbiter (Seen in the Photo Above)from the carrier aircraft and NASA 747 pilot Fitz Fulton banked the Jumbo steeply away from the orbiter. Previous tests with the tailcone installed had required 5 1/2 minutes for the orbiter to reach their Edwards runway but today that descent took only 2 minutes and 34 seconds.