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A space shuttle slows down by firing its engines in the direction opposite to its travel path to reduce its speed. This process is known as retrograde firing. The shuttle can also use its heat shield to generate drag and slow down as it enters Earth's atmosphere.
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Why does the space shuttle have high speed in the atmosphere?
The shuttle uses the atmosphere to slow itself down from orbital speed.
How do space shuttles slow down when re entering earths atmoshpere?
Drag from air is the main thing that slows down the space shuttle on reentry.
Why does the space shuttle flip when in flight?
The space shuttle undergoes a maneuver called a "Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver" in space that involves flipping to expose its heat shield for inspection by the International Space Station crew. This flip allows the crew to assess the condition of the heat shield to ensure it is safe for reentry into Earth's atmosphere.
How long before docking to the iss does the space shuttle have to start slowing down to make a safe docking?
During launch the space shuttle speeds up to 17500 MPH. In orbit the space station is going about the same speed. So the shuttle does not have to slow down much. At docking the relative speed of the ISS and shuttle is about 1-2 inchs per second.
What would a parachute slow down a space shuttle on landing?
A parachute slows down the descent of a space shuttle by increasing air resistance, which creates drag and reduces the shuttle's speed as it approaches the ground. This gradual decrease in speed allows for a softer landing than if the shuttle were to descend rapidly without a parachute.
Why does the space shuttle have high speed in the atmosphere?
The shuttle uses the atmosphere to slow itself down from orbital speed.
Will a space shuttle speed up or slow down when it fires its engines when facing backwards?
If it is facing in the opposite direction of travel it will slow down.
How do space shuttles slow down when re entering earths atmoshpere?
Drag from air is the main thing that slows down the space shuttle on reentry.
Why does the space shuttle flip when in flight?
The space shuttle undergoes a maneuver called a "Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver" in space that involves flipping to expose its heat shield for inspection by the International Space Station crew. This flip allows the crew to assess the condition of the heat shield to ensure it is safe for reentry into Earth's atmosphere.
How long before docking to the iss does the space shuttle have to start slowing down to make a safe docking?
During launch the space shuttle speeds up to 17500 MPH. In orbit the space station is going about the same speed. So the shuttle does not have to slow down much. At docking the relative speed of the ISS and shuttle is about 1-2 inchs per second.
What would a parachute slow down a space shuttle on landing?
A parachute slows down the descent of a space shuttle by increasing air resistance, which creates drag and reduces the shuttle's speed as it approaches the ground. This gradual decrease in speed allows for a softer landing than if the shuttle were to descend rapidly without a parachute.
How much energy is required for the space shuttle to return to earth?
The space shuttle required approximately 500 million Joules of energy for re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. This energy was mainly used to slow down the shuttle and withstand the heat generated during re-entry.
What happens when a space shuttle enters the atmosphere?
When a space shuttle enters the Earth's atmosphere, it experiences extreme heat and friction due to the high speeds it is traveling at. This creates a plasma sheath around the shuttle which can interfere with communications. The shuttle also begins to slow down due to atmospheric drag.
Why does a space shuttle use a parachute after landing?
The space shuttle uses a parachute after landing to slow down its descent and help it come to a controlled stop. The parachute reduces the impact force on the shuttle and allows for a safer landing for astronauts and equipment onboard.
How does a space shuttel land on earth?
The Space Shuttle lands like a plane. First the space shuttle gets its landing trajectory and what AFB or Air Force Base to land at. The Space Shuttle can land at Cape Cod in Florida or at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The Space Shuttle then loops around the earth a few times and then turns around to face forward. Then the Space Shuttle goes into a De-Orbit Burn this is the approach to earth the Space Shuttle faces up ward at 60 degrees so the heat shield is facing down. The Space Shuttle is now flying at Mach 26 or 100,000 mph. Soon the Shuttle re enters the atmosphere producing the loud Double Boom while the shuttle flies over the pacific the US can often hear it. Soon the shuttle applies air brakes to slow down to Mach 2.5 or 2,500 mph. Then comes the next stage of approach the Shuttles Computers are shut down for landing as the Pilot lines up the Shuttle for the run way which is 22 at Edwards and 0 at Cape Cod the Shuttle makes one more Double Boom. Soon the Shuttle fly at the speed of a jet. Last comes the final landing the copilot calls out altitude and speed as the space Shuttle lines up jet escorts help the Shuttle land soon at about 2,000 ft the gear gets dropped down and the Space Shuttle lands at 250mph to slow down the Shuttle apply brakes a parachute and Air Brakes to stop on the Run Way steps help the Astronauts get out of the Shuttle. If the Shuttle lands at Edwards a modified Boeing 747 flys the Shuttle back to Florida.
How fast does a space shuttle move in space?
Space shuttles use the gravitational pull from planets to propel/ sling the shuttle with speeds of up to 14 miles per second. Due to the lack of friction, moving objects take longer to slow down and accelerate quicker.
Why does a space shuttle move in space when there is no gravity?
A space shuttle moves in space due to its initial velocity gained from launch and the lack of significant air resistance to slow it down. While gravity is weaker in space, it still affects the shuttle's trajectory and orbit around celestial bodies. In the absence of other forces, the shuttle will continue to move in a straight line at a constant speed due to Newton's first law of motion.
