In this issue of Math in the News, we look at the last flight of the Shuttle Discovery on a 747 and compare the weight of this freight and that of a 747 with passengers. Which is heavier? For more media resources, go to http://www.media4math.com

2. Visit this page on the NASA site to
learn more about the Space
Shuttle 747 ferry.
http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/shuttle

3. Transporting the Shuttle
While the Shuttle can fly in space, it wasn’t built to fly on Earth. It only
glides. This is why it needs to piggyback on the 747.

4. Transporting the Shuttle
NASA outfitted two 747 jets for the sole purpose of transporting Space
Shuttles from one location to another on Earth.

5. Transporting the Shuttle
Because its only “passenger” is the shuttle, the inside of the 747 has no
seats or any other equipment normally found inside a passenger plane.

6. Transporting the Shuttle
The Shuttle is anchored in place on top of the 747, a process that takes
hours to complete.

7. Transporting the Shuttle
So, the combined weight of the 747 and the Shuttle is made up of two fixed
quantities, the individual weights of the two aircraft.

8. Transporting the Shuttle
With a passenger plane, there are more parts involved, some with variable
weights.

9. Transporting the Shuttle
First, there is the 747 itself, as well as the seats and other equipment to
hold the passengers and luggage.

10. Transporting the Shuttle
Next, there are two variables: (1) the number of passengers, with a
maximum of 500; (2) the combined weight of the passengers and
baggage.

11. Transporting the Shuttle
To compare the weights of the two 747s, we need to make some
assumptions.

12. • Assumptions:
• Full capacity (500 seats)
• Average weight of a
passenger: 100 lbs
• Average weight of baggage:
150 lbs
Transporting the Shuttle
To compare the weights of the two 747s, we need to make some
assumptions.

13. 747 with 747 with
Shuttle Passengers
747 300,000 450,000
Shuttle 165,000
Passengers 50,000
Luggage 75,000
Total 465,000 575,000
Transporting the Shuttle
Comparing the weights of the two 747s, you can see that the one carrying
the Shuttle weighs less. (Note: The weight of fuel isn’t included, since it
would be common to both scenarios.)

14. Transporting the Shuttle
Not only does the 747 with the Shuttle weigh less, it flies at about half the
altitude, meaning much less energy required. It also travels at a slower
speed, which also saves fuel.

15. Transporting the Shuttle
A passenger with one carry-on, itself, arrives home.