I’m in the biz, but just saw my first Shuttle landing at the Cape today! Sucker drops like a rock.
I remember one of the early monikers was the Flying Brick. It’s big, heavy, and less aerodynamic than most aircraft. Makes you realize how much right stuff those who fly it have.
I live in Memphis, Tn and went outside to see it pass over. It either passed over Memphis or just over Arkansas west of Memphis. Never saw it but I heard the sonic boom it created. Thought it was a truck backfiring but it had to be Discovery because it happened about the time she was due over Memphis. Got back to my desk to watch it land. Great landing and a perfect way to end a fantastic flight.
Just imagine, there are only 11 more of these flights assuming the two contingency flights aren’t flown. I have got to get down to KSC to see one of them go up. From what I’ve heard, it’s quite a show.