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.
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The space shuttle needs to go fast in order to reach orbit around the Earth. By going fast, the shuttle can overcome the gravitational pull of the Earth and enter into a stable orbit where it remains in space. This speed is necessary to counteract the pull of gravity and maintain a continuous state of freefall around the Earth.
The shuttle moved by the use of thruster rockets.
18000
around 1334 mph
The space shuttle Columbia had a maximum speed of approximately 17,500 miles per hour during its orbit in space.