Does the space shuttle generate lift?

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”.

How much can the space shuttle lift?

The Shuttle Robotic Arm was comprised of six joints that corresponded roughly to the joints of a human arm and could handle a payload weighing up to 29,000 kg (65,000 pounds).

How are space shuttles powered?

The main engines develop thrust by using high-energy propellants in a staged combustion cycle. Each Space Shuttle Main Engine operates at a liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen mixture ratio of 6 to 1 to produce a sea level thrust of 179,097 kilograms (375,000 pounds) and a vacuum thrust of 213,188 (470,000 pounds).

What does a space shuttle do?

The space shuttle was like a moving van. It took satellites to space so they could orbit Earth. The shuttle carried large parts into space to build the International Space Station. The space shuttle was also like a science lab.

What is the landing speed of the shuttle?

214 to 226 miles per hour
The orbiter’s main landing gear touches down on the runway at 214 to 226 miles per hour, followed by the nose gear. The drag chute is deployed, and the orbiter coasts to a stop.

How does an aircraft achieve lift?

How Wings Lift the Plane. Airplane wings are shaped to make air move faster over the top of the wing. So the pressure on the top of the wing is less than the pressure on the bottom of the wing. The difference in pressure creates a force on the wing that lifts the wing up into the air.

How did the space shuttle’s lift capability change over time?

The shuttle lift capability or payload decreased with increased operational altitude or orbit inclination because more fuel was required to reach the higher altitude or inclination. Shuttle lift capability was also limited by total vehicle landing weight— different limits for different cases (nominal or abort landing).

How much thrust does it take to launch a Space Shuttle?

The two SRBs provided the main thrust to lift the shuttle off the launch pad. Each booster provided about 14.7 meganewtons (3,300,000 pounds-force) of thrust at launch, and they were only ignited once the three main engines reached the required 104.5\% thrust level for launch.

What is the main engine of the Space Shuttle?

Space Shuttle Main Engines The three Space Shuttle Main Engines, in conjunction with the Solid Rocket Boosters, provide the thrust to lift the Orbiter off the ground for the initial ascent. The main engines develop thrust by using high-energy propellants in a staged combustion cycle.

Why was the Space Shuttle design so remarkable?

The Space Shuttle design was remarkable. The idea of?wings in orbit@ took concrete shape in the brilliant minds of NASA engineers, and the result was the most innovative, elegant, versatile, and highly functional vehicle of its time. The shuttle was indeed an engineering marvel on many counts.