What are the sparks before shuttle launch?
The sparks are emitted by pyrotechnic devices called technically Radial Outward Firing Igniters (ROFIs) and colloquially “sparklers”. The startup sequence of the Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) causes them to emit gaseous hydrogen immediately prior to ignition.
What is the acceleration of the space shuttle?
29.4 m/s2
The space shuttle gains more altitude above Earth and the speed increases to the nearly 7,850 m/s (17,500 mph) required to achieve orbit. The main engines are commanded by the onboard computer to reduce power, ensuring that acceleration of the space shuttle does not exceed 29.4 m/s2 (3 g).
What are the three phases of space shuttle flight?
In fact, the shuttle wasn’t designed to physically dock with anything; it was intended to reach out and grapple objects with its robotic arm. A rendezvous period lasted up to 4 days and could be divided into three phases: ground targeted; on-board targeted; and human-piloted proximity operations.
What did the space shuttle do?
The space shuttle was like a moving van. It took satellites to space so they could orbit Earth. The shuttle carried large parts into space to build the International Space Station.
How does this change the motion of the space shuttle?
When the engines are fired, an unbalanced force accelerates the rocket into the sky. The upward force of the thrust from the rocket engines is greater than the downward weight of the rocket. This results in an unbalanced upward force, causing the rocket to accelerate upwards.
Where is the space shuttle?
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The shuttle is now on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum….Space Shuttle Discovery.
| Discovery | |
|---|---|
| Orbits | 5,830 around Earth |
| Fate | Retired |
| Location | Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Chantilly, Virginia |
| Space Shuttle orbiters |
What happens during liftoff?
Takeoff is the phase of flight in which an aerospace vehicle leaves the ground and becomes airborne. For aircraft traveling vertically, this is known as liftoff. For aircraft that take off horizontally, this usually involves starting with a transition from moving along the ground on a runway.