Why did they stop launching space shuttles?

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.

Does the space shuttle break the sound barrier?

Well, the space shuttle on its return to Earth breaks the sound barrier when it drops below about 750 miles per hour.

Why does the space shuttle roll during launch?

The main reason the Space Transportation System, or Space Shuttle as it is popularly known, rolled belly up after lift-off was to reduce vehicle stress and increase vehicle performance. Early analysis showed that rolling to a “heads down” attitude would reduce aerodynamic loads and stresses on the vehicle.

How fast is the space shuttle going when it clears the tower?

100 mph
Reaching 100 mph as it clears the tower, the shuttle is a study in thunderous vibration, and this only builds in intensity for the first two minutes until the solid boosters tail off and drop away with a pyrotechnic clatter.

How do astronauts get in the shuttle?

Getting in place means wriggling in on their backs and lifting their legs over their heads. There are plenty of things to get used to the first time an astronaut gets in a shuttle seat to fly, said Steve Swanson, a mission specialist aboard STS-117 and STS-119.

What do astronauts do for fun on the Space Station?

A: The space station crews can ask mission control to send them shows that they can watch during dinner or off-duty time. They can also watch movies on their laptops. They may bring books, music, and musical instruments with them. Some astronauts enjoy hobbies, such as drawing, photography, and HAM radio.

What do astronauts do when they are not flying?

A: When astronauts are not flying on a mission or training for a mission, they support other missions. There are many jobs on the ground required to support the design, preparation, training and flying of a space mission.

How long do astronauts stay on the International Space Station?

A: The ISS missions, called expeditions, usually last about six months. There are three to six crewmembers on board at all times. Professional astronaut crews come from the U.S., Russia, Japan, Canada and Europe. NASA astronaut Mike Lopez-Alegria has flown the longest U.S. space station mission to date, at 215 days.