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How was the space shuttle similar to an airplane?
NASA’s space shuttle was the world’s first reusable spacecraft. It launched like a rocket and returned to Earth like a glider, landing like an airplane on a long concrete runway. It was designed to carry large payloads — such as satellites — into orbit and bring them back, if necessary, for repairs.
Could the space shuttle fly like an airplane?
The Space Shuttle flies as a glider during reentry and landing. During ascent, thrust is provided by the three Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSME’s) at the base of the orbiter and the two Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB’s) that are joined to the orange External Fuel Tank (ET).
Why did they design the space shuttle to land as a plane?
After completing its mission, the winged orbiter would re-enter and land horizontally on a runway. The idea was that full reusability would promote lower operating costs.
Why did NASA abandon the Space Shuttle?
While reentering Earth’s atmosphere, Columbia broke apart, killing the entire crew. All of these factors — high costs, slow turnaround, few customers, and a vehicle (and agency) that had major safety problems — combined to make the Bush administration realize it was time for the Space Shuttle Program to retire.
Why is the Space Shuttle so special?
It is a reusable spacecraft unlike any other that had come before it. It is a more efficient and economical vehicle as compared to its predecessors: capsules and rockets. The space shuttle, with a shape like a bulky glider, is actually a lifting body.
Why do space shuttles have stubby wings?
The stubby wings of the space shuttle are not meant to make it fly like an airplane. Furthermore, the stubby wings of a space shuttle are not designed to make it lift like an airplane. Instead, they are there for a number of other functions, including facilitating a controlled approach during re-entry and so on.
Can we launch a space shuttle from an airplane?
All in all, launching a space shuttle by making it take off from a runway like an airplane is not an entirely ridiculous idea, but the technical ramifications of such a launch are far too complex, and the costs associated are much, much higher than the conventional vertical launch.
How did the Space Shuttle glider work?
It glided effortlessly without engine power to a smooth landing on the desert floor. A new era in space transportation had begun. That high-tech glider was the space shuttle. The space shuttle is designed to simply ferry or “shuttle” people, satellites and other cargo between earth and space.