Space Shuttles Survive Hurricane Frances

maggeth writes "In an update to a previous story, NASA damage assessment teams have begun work at the Kennedy Space Center, which was hit by Hurricane Frances. It appears that there was no damage to any of the space shuttles, according to the first word from NASA. Although more details still are to be released, we know that Frances died down in strength before making landfall, limiting the amount of wind damage." Reader knix writes, though, that "It looks like NASA did have quite a bit of damage from Hurricane Frances," pointing to an AP story which adds some detail, and noting that besides a knocked over Mercury-Redstone rocket, the massive VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building) had 1000 panels missing after the storm hit. According to the AP, "The holes left by the missing panels created 40,000 square feet of 'open window' on two sides of the building."

Comments

Too bad Frances didn't shut down that black hole

[mindlessrabble]

The shuttles have been a black hole into which we throw the space exploration budget. They failed in their mission to provide cheaper access to space through reusable vehicles.

We can't seem to put them out of their misery. Was hoping Frances would.

Re:Solution: Build better buildings...

[angrykeyboarder]

For that matter. Why locate the launch facility in Flordia at all? Why not some place less prone to Hurricanes (or Earthquakes or Tornados).