Why does the shuttle move in a "s" shape when orbiting? Thanks Bud?

Answer 1

The shuttle doesn't actually move in an "S" shape while orbiting. It is moving in either a circular or slightly elliptical orbit. The reason you see an "S" shape on the space shuttle tracking screen is because it is orbiting in an inclined plane. That is to say at some elevation relative to the equatorial plane. This means that the space shuttle crosses the equator twice on its orbit. Once going up, and once down. These two point are known as ascending and descending nodes respectively. This "S" shape usually shows up on inclined orbits which are closer to the equator. This is because the space shuttles orbit is being plotted against a Mercator map of the earth. This expalins the "S" shape which comes from the space shuttle orbiting on the lower hemisphere of the earth then crossing to the top hemisphere and vica versa. When you get in or near polar orbits, you get up and down track lines. Almost like asymptotes. And when in perfectly equatorial orbits, you get a line across the Mercator map of the earth at the equator. That should answer your question. :)

Answer 2

I hope I understand exactly what you are asking.

The Shuttle doesn't move in "S" curves while in orbit. It goes in a straight line. You are probably thinking of it's reentry into the atmosphere.

When the Shuttle is in orbit it's speed is about 17,550 MPH. I'm guessing at a landing speed but let's say it is 180 MPH. So it must decelerate from 17,550 to 180 MPH. It accomplishes this in three steps. First a retro rocket firing slows the Shuttle enough that it falls out of orbit. As it enters the upper atmosphere the ship essentially pancakes through the air. This position places those heat resistant tiles between the frictional heat of reentry and the more delicate parts of the Shuttle and it's crew of astronauts. Finally after the rocket firing and the heat of reentry is all over with, the Shuttle is still traveling too fast to land safely. This is where the "S" turns come into play. By performing those "S" maneuvers the pilot is able to scrub off speed until s/he has reached a safe landing speed. All this is carefully calculated to deliver the Shuttle at the right place, and speed to effect that safe landing.

Remember the Shuttle is a very heavy glider with a very bad glide ratio. It's approach angle, landing speed, and inability to go around to make a second attempt makes every landing a bit troublesome for me.

Hope that helps.

BTW, I have watched two movies that might let you see what I am talking about. One is "Space Camp", the other is "Space Cowboys". Both plots are outlandish but they are fun to watch and the harware and special effects were good enough for me.

Answer 3

Do you mean why does the apparent line of flight appear to overlap instead of being on the same "line?" The shuttle orbit is stationary, it is the earth that moves beneath the shuttle. This is due to the rotation of the earth on its axis.

Answer 4

If you look at the orbit on a globe it is a circle. The distortion necessary to make a flat map of the round world distorts the shape as seen on the flat map.

Answer 5

It's not.

The mercator map projection on the wall, which is a 2d way to draw a 3d sphere and have everything inter-relate, makes the orbit appear to be S shaped when in fact it is not.

Answer 6

It only appears to be an s shape, the earth is turning under it, if you look at the same path on a globe, it would be a straight line.

Answer 7

Draw that same s track on a globe. You will see it is merely orbiting the earth.

Answer 8

It's not really a "s" shape.

It is called the Mercator projection.

Different way of looking at a map.

Answer 9

YOUR WELCOME BUD!