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Necessary Astronauts: The International Space Shuttle Columbia

Necessary Astronauts: The International Space Shuttle Columbia

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No, the Space shuttle Columbia could not have made the necessary orbital maneuvers to dock with the ISS for safety. The shuttle Columbia launched to an orbital inclination of 39 degrees. (Gebhardt 2013) The International Space Station however is at an inclination of 51.6 degrees, a 12.6 degrees difference.(Cooney n.d.) After launch, the shuttle does not have enough fuel on board to be able to make an inclination change of this magnitude. Because of the extra weight shuttles are not loaded with extra fuel. (Dunbar 2006)

The Russians did have a valid concern. The onboard Soyuz capsule could only hold three astronauts/cosmonauts. The space shuttle Columbia had seven astronauts on-board. This plus the usual three that are assigned to the

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