2006-12-20 03:03:30 · 15 answers · asked by karen802793 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Initially, they push directly against the space station itself. There are springs on the docking port that give it a nudge when the clamps are released. After that initial push, it uses rocket engines to move more.
2006-12-20 03:11:09 · answer #1 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If the space shuttle did push off against the space station then the station would move the counter direction to where the shuttle is trying to go therefore changing its orbit, for example, an ice skater pushing off from another skater, they will both go opposite directions.
2006-12-20 03:27:34 · answer #2 · answered by swayne 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These questions are difficult to answer without being able to draw diagrams. Rockets and jets do not work by thrusting against the air.
Imagine a closed vessel containing a gas under pressure. The gas pushes against all sides of the vessel so the vessel does not move.
If there is a hole in one side of the vessel the force on that side is less than the force on the opposite side so the vessel will move in the direction with most force applied to it.
2006-12-20 03:27:38 · answer #3 · answered by David P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the thrusters fire, they push mass out of the jet nozzles. The force that moves the shuttle away from the space station is equal and opposite to the force (mass x acceleration) of the gasses as they leave the nozzle.
2006-12-20 03:15:23 · answer #4 · answered by sloop_sailor 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
A man, in a spacesuit, gives it a push when he unties the ropes hold it to the space station
After that it's Newton's third law of motion
2006-12-20 03:15:01 · answer #5 · answered by xpatgary 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't need anything to push of with. It's all Newton's third law of motion. They have attutude control thrusters. When they expell propellent, there is an equal an opposite treaction that pushes the shuttle.
2006-12-20 03:06:29 · answer #6 · answered by Gene 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
If you were floating in space (a vaccum) then you passed wind violently, you would move forward - thats similar to the shuttle except it doesnt pass wind - it uses it onboard fuel to give it a shove off
2006-12-20 03:09:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
for every action there is an oppossite and equal reaction, you can propell a space shuttle by throwing cricket balls out the back, not too effective though took us years!!!
2006-12-20 04:29:33 · answer #8 · answered by Dead2TheWind 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spacecraft use a forward propellant to 'push off'.
2006-12-20 03:06:24 · answer #9 · answered by somewherein72 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Newton's third law---For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction
2006-12-20 03:13:00 · answer #10 · answered by Tim C 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋