I have heard that the whole contraption is groaning and clanking during the
powered portion of the flight. Probably because of all the attached
external parts.

Mike
MU-2


"Michael 182" wrote in message
...
I've read that the shuttle pilots "only" experience about 3 g's during
lift off to orbit - less than a big roller coaster ride, way less than a
dragster or a fighter jet. But they do endure the g force for much
longer - something like 10 minutes before they get into orbit. That would
be the part that would get me. I love roller coasters, and have been on
the "world's largest, fastest" (which changes every year). But I know the
ride will be over in 180 seconds or so. Also, I wonder how loud and
dramatic the ride is inside the shuttle - from the video it looks
incredible - like being inside of a huge controlled explosion... which is
what it is, I suppose.

Click on the launch in the video section of the page. Sorry about the
ads, there is probably a better link available for this.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/...in711644.shtml

Michael