Once the tank is jettisoned, the shuttle relies on its Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) engines to fine-tune its trajectory and circularize its orbit, completing the transition from launch vehicle to spacecraft. From the moment the engines ignite to the instant the shuttle breaks through the sound barrier, the speed of a space shuttle launch captures the imagination.
Experiencing G Forces: The Shuttle's Rapid Climb and Soaring Velocity
Measuring the Climb: G-Forces and Velocity As the shuttle clears the tower, the rate of acceleration increases dramatically. Within the first minute, the shuttle, riding on the SRBs and the newly ignited External Tank, reaches a speed of over 1,000 feet per second.
This phase is a stark contrast to the violent initial minutes; it is a calm, precise adjustment in the vacuum of space. The OMS engines provide the final pushes, adjusting the angle and final velocity of the orbit.
Experiencing G Forces During Space Shuttle Launch Acceleration
The final stage of the External Tank burns out just as the shuttle approaches this incredible speed. The Initial Burst: Overcoming Gravity's Grip The shuttle does not so much launch as it is lifted.
More About Speed of space shuttle launch
Looking at Speed of space shuttle launch from another angle can help expand the discussion and give readers a second clear paragraph under the same section.
More perspective on Speed of space shuttle launch can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.
