NASA training aircraft captures unique view of shuttle launch

By Rich Shulman

We've seen some pretty cool photos of shuttle launches from airliners, but this NASA training plane was able to get much closer than a commercial plane.

Space.com reports: In the aerial views, Atlantis and its impressive exhaust plume were captured through the window of the agency's Shuttle Training Aircraft. These modified Gulfstream jets are used by astronauts to practice landing the space shuttle. The aircraft's controls are modified to simulate the orbiter's handling on the sharply angled descent that it makes on approach.

  Full coverage.

Dick Clark, NASA via AP

In this photo provided by NASA, space shuttle Atlantis is seen through the window of a Shuttle Training Aircraft as it lifts off from the Kennedy Space Center Friday, July 8, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Atlantis is the 135th and final space shuttle launch for NASA.

Dick Clark, NASA via EPA

The exhaust plume from space shuttle Atlantis is seen through the window of a Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) as it launches from launch pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on the STS-135 mission, in Cape Canaveral, Fla., USA, July 8. Atlantis launched on the final flight of the shuttle program on a 12-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-135 crew will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module containing supplies and spare parts for the space station.

 

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Comment author avatarMichael-267231

OH WOW!!!

  • 1 vote
Reply#1 - Sun Jul 10, 2011 2:16 PM EDT
Comment author avatarmob_barley

VERRY COOL PICTURES! I love this stuff. I will certainly miss the space shuttle program.

  • 1 vote
Reply#2 - Mon Jul 11, 2011 12:07 PM EDT
Comment author avatarEric-2189088

Those, with the rest of the series of photos, are simply awesome.

    Reply#3 - Mon Jul 11, 2011 3:21 PM EDT
    Comment author avatarJonboy007-2033698

    Great pics. I really wish I could have experienced a Shuttle Lift OFF in person. Viewing it on TV is cool, but I'm sure nothing comes close to the size and power behind those Booster Rockets and the Shuttle rockets all firing at the same time. Ive stood beside many fighter jets taking off, shakes the air out of your lungs, This is on another playing field, the shear power. :(( sad to see it end

    • 1 vote
    Reply#4 - Thu Jul 14, 2011 1:09 PM EDT
    Comment author avatarBlonde Pussycat

    This is spectacular and sad at the same time. I wonder what is next @ NASA for space flight and exploration? Unmanned craft? Time travel? I hope I live long enough to see the next BIG thing from NASA. Great ride cowboys, great ride. Blondie

    • 1 vote
    Reply#5 - Fri Jul 15, 2011 3:51 PM EDT
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