The Ultimate Piggy-Back Ride?

[LazyGun]

End of an era, with the shuttle being mothballed.

I was amazed at how the jumbo can fly with the shuttle strapped to its back :)

Right decision do you think, to end the shuttle program?

http://www.msnbc.msn....gy_and_science-space/

[naomi24]

I'm always sorry when a space program comes to an end - but hopefully it will eventually lead on to bigger and better things. In the words of Buzz Lightyear "To infinity and beyond!!" :o)

[ChuckFickens]

You don't remember the shuttle coming to England for it's holidays then?

http://farm4.staticfl...659e06008e_z.jpg?zz=1

I actually saw this coming in to land at Stansted airport.

[d9f1c7]

It's the standard way of transporting the shuttle, they've done it a couple of times when some c0ckup or other has meant they've ended up landing somewhere else in the world.

[youngmafbog]

Lets face it a Jumbo on its own does not look like it should fly !

The shuttle program has run its course. Time to move to something else. Space programs are of course very expensive, this is why we all wonder why India gets grants from the UK but has a space program ???

[LazyGun]

@Chuck - No,I dont remember that visit - nice picture. Im like YoungMaf -Jumbos always look too heavy / ungainly to fly, nevermind with the shuttle strapped to its back - I just think its an amazing spectacle and a great piece of aeronautics ;)

You are right, space programmes are expensive, but I still think I will miss the shuttle era - seemed an elegant concept to me.

[chaptazbru]

I'll miss the shuttle era, definitely. Always looked so amazing coming in to land.

[wendilla]

I will miss the double fly byes when on route to Spacestation. Fantastic sight to see them both going over UK. at times.

[tenrec]

Thanks for the link LazyGun

[Old_Geezer]

True, end of an era. Time to get the space elevator sorted & built then. "1,378,229 floor, ladies lingerie, kitchenware, and HiFi."

[Fitzer]

It seemed as if every pub anywhere near Stansted had a picture of the jumbo and shuttle over the pub at the time :-)

[LazyGun]

LoL OG - That image of a space elevator and the lingerie floor tickled me :)

[emmie]

would have given anything to see the shuttle go up or come down, fascinating to think how it piggy backs the jumbo jet, what a thrill to be involved in the shuttle space programme, and i do think it's a shame that it's ending.