Posted on 10/25/2009 1:32:54 AM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Considering a ballistic approach then descent to a still
relatively untouchable altitude and speed would make it
a very effective if somewhat provocative recon platform,
or Strike craft.
Time to target would be very short in response to distant
operations. It would make sense to carry a nuclear package
as the most bang for the buck, but various penetrator
munitions could be carried.
Furthermore, it is flying on an Atlas 501, which is code for 5-meter fairing (as opposed to 4), no extra booster rockets, flying out of Cape Canaveral (Vandenberg is —2). It is going into low Earth orbit, so the lack of booster rockets means it can’t be *that* heavy. It probably just needs the 5-meter fairing for length.
MD, who has had two cameras launched on two different Atlas V rockets.
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