2006-07-03 11:26:05 · 8 answers · asked by jsolarte@sbcglobal.net 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Here is the video, in the last row and labeled "Space Shuttle Pitch Maneuver".
2006-07-03 16:25:15 · answer #1 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The shuttle after reaching orbit does a backflip- at no harm to the craft - to let the space station's cameras see the underside of the ship's heat tiles. it was a manuver performed on the last mission that gave a high resolution photo view to see if ithere was any foam impact damage, which was the suspect of the previous shuttle's demise. there was foam loss but no apparent damage was found but the procedure is likely to be a standard on every mission as long as foam is an issue.
2006-07-03 23:25:02 · answer #2 · answered by Michelle G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are asking whether or not this is possible, then the answer would be yes, under the right circumstances. However, though I think I saw a forced manuever in a movie, I do not think it is possible to grab the steering yolk of the shuttle, in orbit, and back flip it, like spinning a donut in a parking lot. THe reason is because the vehicle is in orbit, without a large source of momentum, such as the launch rockets. The pilots would have to attempt the manuever using only the thruster rockets, which are limited in their thrust and duration. In addition, I don't believe the thruster rockets are located in the optimum position to initiate the manuever.
2006-07-03 18:36:45 · answer #3 · answered by cake_eatingraccoon 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The shuttle flips upside down as it enters orbit such that the only portion exposed to the direct rays of the sun is it's heat resistant tiles.
A related topic, 747's can do loop de loops! It's highly not recommended though!
2006-07-03 19:14:40 · answer #4 · answered by minuteblue 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is sooo much easier to do a backflip in zero gravity.
2006-07-03 18:31:39 · answer #5 · answered by roscoedeadbeat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
And it's people like you with such retarded comments that make George W. Bush appear to be brilliant. Not bad for a chimp huh?
2006-07-03 20:17:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably possible, but who would let you risk a $1Bn piece of a equipment for a Jackass stunt?
2006-07-03 18:32:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
?? whats your ?? or comment?
2006-07-03 18:29:24 · answer #8 · answered by City slicker 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋