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**Jeff Findley** · August 22nd 10, 02:03 PM posted to sci.space.history,sci.space.policy

In article , lid
says...

It appeared to me that a craft that returns by parachute and descends
pretty much vertically onto shock absorbing landing gear doesn't really
have much in the way of requirements for its landing area, beyond being
reasonably large, moderately flat, and devoid of significant obstacles.

There would have to be plenty of suitable places, including most of
Australia (might not be reachable from the particular orbit, but that's
another matter).

Great Plains in the US. It's big, it's flat, and it's fairly devoid of
high concentrations of people.

Plus, a lifting capsule design has some lift in the hypersonic regime,
so you can aim for a particular landing area. Also, for final descent,
you can use steerable parachutes. NASA spent some time and money
developing one for X-38 which may be suitable for use on a capsule.

Jeff
--
The only decision you'll have to make is
Who goes in after the snake in the morning?