From: tlsnodgr@mchsi.com   
      
   there is a simple answer to that question.   
   COST   
   Nasa long ago determined that it was cheaper to use fricition to slow a   
   returning vehical down than engines.   
      
   Rodney Kelp wrote:   
   > Why can't you launch a fuel tank into orbit with solid fuel boosters that   
   > the shuttle or other transport could dock with? What about to moon orbit?.   
   > If you can, why don't they do it to use the shuttle engines to slow the   
   > craft down before entering the atmosphere to avoid the inferno of reentry   
   > and all that fireproofing tile work.   
   >   
   >   
   > ---   
   > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.   
   > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).   
   > Version: 6.0.801 / Virus Database: 544 - Release Date: 11/24/2004   
   >   
   >   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)