This is sort of an AHC/WI/PC combination, or a more general discussion.
How plausible would it be for at least two and possibly even three space shuttles to be irreparably damaged in some sort of covert terror attack (I don't know much about bombs, but some sort of planted firebombing, or possibly a suicide attack?) during the mid-1980's (I.e. Pre-Challenger Disaster.)
Who would be most likely (or able) to carry out such an attack? The motivations could be anything, really. An expensive target meant to cripple American exceptionalism? Libyan or Iranian bitterness at their own rocket programs being limited by American meddling? I'm just spitballing here.
And finally, what would be the effects of such an attack? Obviously a military response is to be expected, but if rallying around the flag means rallying around the space program there could be some interesting developments near and long term regarding budgets, research, interest, and space exploration itself. Not to mention security for NASA, its facilities and personnel, and its projects...
Just had the thought and thought you'd all find it an interesting discussion topic.
Edit: The shuttles were all stored at the OPF-Kennedy near to one another, in Launch Complex 39.
How plausible would it be for at least two and possibly even three space shuttles to be irreparably damaged in some sort of covert terror attack (I don't know much about bombs, but some sort of planted firebombing, or possibly a suicide attack?) during the mid-1980's (I.e. Pre-Challenger Disaster.)
Who would be most likely (or able) to carry out such an attack? The motivations could be anything, really. An expensive target meant to cripple American exceptionalism? Libyan or Iranian bitterness at their own rocket programs being limited by American meddling? I'm just spitballing here.
And finally, what would be the effects of such an attack? Obviously a military response is to be expected, but if rallying around the flag means rallying around the space program there could be some interesting developments near and long term regarding budgets, research, interest, and space exploration itself. Not to mention security for NASA, its facilities and personnel, and its projects...
Just had the thought and thought you'd all find it an interesting discussion topic.
Edit: The shuttles were all stored at the OPF-Kennedy near to one another, in Launch Complex 39.