2007-01-07 21:40:29 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Because the center of gravity of the Shuttle shifts to make it "rollover".
2007-01-07 21:48:26 · answer #1 · answered by dealerschool2006 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The shuttle needs to head out over the Atlantic, which is very roughly due east. However, when it's transported to the launch pad and set up there, because of the layout of the roadway and the launch pad, the orbiter is roughly due south with respect to the External Tank. As a result, the entire stack is rotated once it's well clear of the launch tower so that it is on its proper heading. This was done with earlier missions as well. You can often hear the Capcom or the Public Affairs Officer saying "We've got a roll programme."
As the shuttle rises, it also starts to tilt over (a pitch manouvre), so that it not only gains altitude, but also speed in the direction it wants to finish up in orbit. The result is that the shuttle flies with its underside pointing away from the Earth. The astronauts call this a "heads down" attitude.
2007-01-07 23:06:16 · answer #2 · answered by Questor 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To get away from the earth tremendous force is needed to accelerate the shuttle to the planned orbit. Once the shuttle reaches the height desired, the engines need to slow it down so it doesn't keep moving away from earth (as the moon shot did). In order for the engines to work in "reverse" the shuttle needs to be turned around. The main engines only work in one direction.
2007-01-07 23:42:52 · answer #3 · answered by hasse_john 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its easier for the shuttle to do a rollover to correct trojectory than it would be to turn the launchpad -and- just cuz they can
I've only seen one shuttle launch (Jan 28, 1986) and it exploded, same thing happened to the one I watched reenter the atmosphere
I figure I'm bad luck so I quit watching
2007-01-07 22:41:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In addition to placing the shuttle on the right path to orbit, heads down also allows communications antennas to be oriented towards the ground without being blocked by the external tank or orbiter body.
2007-01-08 00:13:44 · answer #5 · answered by George M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they cannot easily rotate the launch pad... The shuttle needs to be in a specific orbit, and it's easier to rotate the shuttle itself.
2007-01-07 21:55:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is going to likely be the final launch of any area commute. No motor vehicle of that type is scheduled for use after this upcoming venture. people will nevertheless launch into area, yet purely in different varieties of automobiles (generally russian Soyuz pills for the foreseeable destiny).
2016-12-15 18:37:03 · answer #7 · answered by shery 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pilot is a dog and he is commanded to rollover !
2007-01-08 01:18:26 · answer #8 · answered by sneek_matrix 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
same reason you have an entry trajectory
gota have an exit strategy as well
don't want to miss do we
2007-01-07 21:46:49 · answer #9 · answered by farshadowman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cos the pilots get bored
2007-01-08 10:29:38 · answer #10 · answered by Sir Nickle Barsteward 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋