John Doe wrote in :

"Jorge R. Frank" wrote:
get funded at all. The current plan is destructive re-entry over the
ocean; the orbiter would perform the deorbit burn using the OPS-2
orbit software, then maneuver to point the open payload bay doors at
the velocity vector.

Why be so destructive ?

To assure breakup at maximum altitude, minimizing the amount and size of
debris that survives to the ground, thereby minimizing public risk. It also
happens to have fewer risks in execution, minimizing the number of commands
that need to be sent from the ground.

From a point of view of research, wouldn't it be better to actually
try to land the orbiter in the ocean and see how it actually performs
(or how long it remains intact/flyiable ?)

The minimize-public-risk side of the debate appears to be winning against
the research side.

--
JRF

Reply-to address spam-proofed - to reply by E-mail,
check "Organization" (I am not assimilated) and
think one step ahead of IBM.