On Tue, Mar 4, 2008 at 1:19 PM, Greg Ewing <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Ian Mallett wrote: > > hmmm. > > I would not define the space shuttle as a space ship because it requires > > an external fuel tank and two extra rockets to get into space. > That's like saying that an ocean liner isn't > a ship because it wouldn't be able to get off > the ground into the sea by itself. hmmm. I see your point. still wouldn't classify the space shuttle as a "space ship", as the shuttle cannot travel the deeps of space. This is sort of like the early submarines, which were more submerge-able battleships than a real underwater boat. These craft were designed to attack above surface, and only submerge to hide. So, either the space shuttle is not a "space ship" because it cannot be used practically, or it is not a "space ship" because it can't really stay in space very well. Ian
