The thickest part of the atmosphere, where drag is most significant, is encountered in the first two minutes of flight. This phase is a stark contrast to the violent initial minutes; it is a calm, precise adjustment in the vacuum of space.
Shuttle Speed Versus Rockets: How the Shuttle Accelerates to Orbit
To achieve a stable low Earth orbit, the shuttle must reach a staggering speed of approximately 17,500 miles per hour (28,000 kilometers per hour). Passengers inside would experience forces up to 3 times the force of gravity (3 Gs), pressing them firmly into their seats.
Comparative Context: How the Shuttle Measures Up. The Afterburn: Reaching for the Stars Even after the main engines are throttled back and the external tank is gone, the shuttle continues to accelerate.
Shuttle Speed Versus Rockets: How the Shuttle Measures Up
The shuttle reaches Mach 1—the speed of sound—just over a minute into the flight. The Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) provide the majority of the thrust at ignition, creating a spectacle of flame and smoke.
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.
