🚀 go-pugleaf

>Maximum payload weight for a safe abort is
>40,000 lbs, and the shuttle rarely carries that much weight.

     Not true in either statement. 40,000 lbs. is about the average, if I
     reckon correctly. However I'll have to dig up copies of the Shuttle
     Press Kits for each mission to get an accurate figure. Many missions
     have been above the 40,000 lb. mark (STS-29, STS-30, STS-34, STS-41,
     STS-37, STS-43, STS-44, STS-50, all since return-to-flight.) Many of
     the military missions used the IUS, making them candidates for
     40,000+ payloads. The next 40,000+ mission is in two weeks: STS-54.
     
     The "abort" figure you cite appears to be based on the safe return
     weight (about 35,000lbs) but this has not been a factor in limiting
     Shuttle payload capacity, as the above examples testify.

     -Brian

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Brian S. Thorn                                    "If ignorance is bliss,
BrianT@cup.portal.com                               this must be heaven."
                                                -Diane Chambers, "Cheers"
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