Shuttles Discovery and Enterprise

I've seen lots of nice shots of the shuttles posted. I'm a little late to the game with computer problems, but here are a few of mine:

First two shots from the Gf1 and Carl Zeiss 80-200mm f4 Vario Sonnar

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Nice shots
Is there a reason the engines were removed?
Reused on future space program?

Good ones!

Desertraptor wrote in post #14341943
Nice shots
Is there a reason the engines were removed?
Reused on future space program?

I know they put a cover on the rear engine section to help with drag when it is transported that way.

But think they might be under that covering.

Desertraptor wrote in post #14341943
Nice shots
Is there a reason the engines were removed?
Reused on future space program?

The main engines were removed for future use on the core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS). Their likely fate is to burn up on re-entry during the first few flights of the new program, before a cheaper, expendable variant of the RS-25 becomes available.

Replica main engines have be installed for display, although they are hidden by the tailcone in these photos.

Thanks Mike.
Glad if I do ever see a shuttle on display at least it will look complete.
I hope that in the very near future the US has a manned space program to be proud of once again.

Nice images, I like number 4 a lot, too bad that the tail of the Enterprise got clipped. Still a great shot and you were lucky to be there with two shuttles at once.

Nice shots Judy, wish I could have been there....

All very nice indeed, the opening shot is superb!

Awesome shots -- thanks for sharing them with us.

VERY NICE, and as said just being there had to be special.

Thanks so much for the kind words. I had planned to be there for this event ever since I first learned Discovery was soming to Udvar-Hazy. I got to see Enterprise being ferried years ago as part of the tour she was on, and it made a lasting impression. I wasn't going to miss this.

Sorry about the framing on the ground shots. There were so many people trying to get an open shot near the fence line that it was impossible to move. The ceremony started at 11, and I was at the fence line at 9 to get a spot. The same thing later on when they moved Discovery into the museum, I was at the fence a couple of hours in advance and I didn't move, if you moved a foot, you lost your spot. I'm glad I didn't take anyone with me, they'd have been ready to kill me.

i love the contrast between the non-orbital Enterprise and the well used but not abused Discovery...

seeing the Commandant's Own in #4 (i think) reminds me of my friend who was recruited in high school to enlist and play in this prestigious musical group. they actually sought him out and he joined them right after boot camp which only a handful of musicians have ever done. they usually have to apply and audition...

great shots of these famous birds

Really great shots I will be seeing Discovery in 2 months I haven't been back to the Hazy center since 2005.

But great shots showing the roll in!

A pristine Enterprise. Two owners, low miles, garage kept: