The space shuttle orbits the Earth by launching into space and achieving a specific speed called orbital velocity, which allows it to balance the gravitational pull of the Earth with the inertia of its forward motion. Once in orbit, it remains in a continuous state of free fall, constantly falling towards the Earth due to gravity but moving forward fast enough to miss the planet.
Space Shuttle Atlantis.
The second space shuttle to orbit the Earth was the Space Shuttle Challenger. It completed its first mission on April 9, 1983.
The average distance of a space shuttle in low Earth orbit is about 400 kilometers (250 miles) above the Earth's surface.
The first space shuttle to reach Earth's orbit was the Space Shuttle Columbia, which completed its maiden flight on April 12, 1981.
17,500 mph
Space Shuttle Atlantis.
The second space shuttle to orbit the Earth was the Space Shuttle Challenger. It completed its first mission on April 9, 1983.
The average distance of a space shuttle in low Earth orbit is about 400 kilometers (250 miles) above the Earth's surface.
The first space shuttle to reach Earth's orbit was the Space Shuttle Columbia, which completed its maiden flight on April 12, 1981.
The shuttle never leaves Earth orbit, it simply goes into orbit and then returns. Moving to a higher orbit requires additional speed and manuevering, as when visiting the ISS.
No. It is in low earth orbit.
No. The space shuttle can only reach low Earth orbit.
Thermosphere
17,500 mph
No. The space shuttle is built for low Earth orbit, not moon landings.
The space shuttle travels in the Earth's orbit, typically at an altitude of around 250 miles above the Earth's surface. It orbits the Earth at a speed of approximately 17,500 miles per hour, allowing it to counteract the pull of gravity and remain in orbit.
A space shuttle is not designed with the capability to travel beyond Earth's orbit due to limitations in propulsion and fuel capacity. Additionally, the primary purpose of a space shuttle is to transport astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station and other low Earth orbit destinations, rather than deep space exploration.