How is a space shuttle designed to overcome the pull of gravity?
At launch, the orbiter’s 3 main engines are fired (fueled by the external fuel tank) as well as the solid rocket boosters. Together they provide the shuttle with the millions of pounds of thrust to overcome the earth’s gravitational pull.
Why does the space shuttle have small wings?
The shuttle’s wings are short and stunted, called a delta wing, to deal with the shock waves in the air. They don’t have any use for takeoff, and do nothing while in space. But they help control the shuttle when it comes in close for a landing. You don’t see a very defined airfoil shape, because lift is not needed.
What is a wingless lifting body?
The wingless lifting body aircraft studied the feasibility of maneuvering and landing an aerodynamic craft designed for reentry from space. These lifting bodies were designed to validate the concept of flying a wingless vehicle back to Earth from space and landing it like an aircraft at a pre-determined site.
Does the space shuttle have flaps?
Crewmembers begin to configure the onboard computers for entry, as well as the hydraulic system that powers the shuttle’s “aerosurfaces” its wing flaps and rudder. An hour later, the payload bay doors are closed. This swaying motion gives the shuttle’s landing trajectory an elongated “S” shape.
Why do rockets have wings?
Wings only provide lift perpendicular to the motion of an object, and they create drag—which is okay for airplanes flying horizontally (so lift is generated vertically). Rockets do not need lift from wings. Instead they get all of their lift from engine thrust.
Does Space Shuttle glide to earth?
The Space Shuttle flies as a glider during reentry and landing. The shuttle was designed with a low L/D ratio (~ 1) because during the descent the spacecraft must be slowed from about 17,300 mph to about 250 mph at landing.
Why do space shuttles take off vertically?
Rockets launched from the surface of the Earth are launched vertically so as to pass through the thickest part of the atmosphere at relatively low speeds. A key concept here is maximum dynamic pressure, or max Q. In the case of the Space Shuttle, max Q occurred at about 11 km above the surface of the Earth.
Can a wingless plane fly?
Yes it can, and surprisingly well. A common example of a wingless airplane would be a lifting body.
What is a wingless flight?
Board your ‘wingless’ flight – this custom-designed Landline bus, which serves as your United flight from FNL to DIA. Future process: Once at DIA, the bus would drive into secure airport space and drop you off at your gate – no need to go through security again or deal with the airport.
Does space shuttle glide to earth?
What was the design process for the Space Shuttle?
Space Shuttle design process. Before the Project Apollo Moon landing in 1969, NASA began studies of Space shuttle designs as early as October 1968. The early studies were denoted “Phase A”, and in June 1970, “Phase B”, which were more detailed and specific. The primary intended use of the space shuttle was supporting the future space station,…
How are the wings on a Space Shuttle used?
The orbiter has wings that create lift. It uses a double-delta wing configuration to achieve the most efficient flight during hypersonic speed as well as providing a good lift -to-drag ratio during landing. For control, each wing has an “elevon”.
Is the Space Shuttle really a lifting body?
The space shuttle, with a shape like a bulky glider, is actually a lifting body. A lifting body is a specially constructed spacecraft that cannot launch under its own power, but needs additional rocket engines for thrust.
When did NASA start the Space Shuttle program?
Before the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969, NASA began studies of Space Shuttle designs as early as October 1968. The early studies were denoted “Phase A”, and in June 1970, “Phase B”, which were more detailed and specific.