2006-07-05 05:17:48 · 9 answers · asked by cofresi 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
The shuttle has to pitch over at some point, to transition from vertical flight to horizontal flight. Because of the shuttle's nose, it's easier for the astronauts to see "up" than "down", so the shuttle rolls on its back (from our point of view) so the astronauts can see the earth as the shuttle pitches over horizontally.
2006-07-05 07:01:43 · answer #1 · answered by Keith P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When it turns, if you notice that it also becomes flying at an angle, and this is to help the shuttle "punch" through the Earth's outer atmosphere.
2006-07-18 11:50:07 · answer #2 · answered by thewordofgodisjesus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is turned to take advantage of the best trajectory to reach earth orbit through a complex mathamatical formula utilizing a combination of facters. ie. gravitational forces, rotation of earth, flight characteristics of shuttle/with attached fuel tank and solid fuel boosters, etc. It also gets it into position to maintain earth orbit with minimal fuel waste.
2006-07-16 03:33:45 · answer #3 · answered by James L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it changes attitude immediately after launch since it wants to spend the longest possible time with its engines 'aimed at the proper orbit'
If it waited longer, the energy already expended in going the wrong direction (straight up in this case) would require additional fuel to correct.
As to the final rotation of the vehicle, I don't if it is more efficient or just more fun to have the pilot's head down or head up, relative to earth horizon. :) I imagine you feel like you have more information to work with if you can see the dirt, early in flight.
2006-07-15 16:22:03 · answer #4 · answered by samsyn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean from space? or how it gets there? It will arc around so it can enter orbit and keep the engines pointed to the side to make sure they can fix their orbit if it decays.
2006-07-05 12:19:53 · answer #5 · answered by Brian 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Following kepler's laws
2006-07-18 01:09:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Due to gravitational pull from the earth.
2006-07-14 03:22:01 · answer #7 · answered by shariffkhayum 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It forgot to wave bye bye to Earth
2006-07-13 22:23:56 · answer #8 · answered by Binky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check out this website..seems like a simple explanation...
2006-07-05 13:05:25 · answer #9 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋