2007-03-01 04:18:21 · 9 answers · asked by Red Falcon 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The shuttle typically orbits with the "roof" pointed towards earth. There are usually one or two experiments in the cargo hold which are there to conduct observations of the earth. When the shuttle is used for something like deploying a sattelite it will be in a different orientation to allow it to push the satellite away from earth. When there is a space walk going on it will tilt so that the underside of the shuttle is facing the direction of orbit in order to provide some protection to the astronuats from being struck by undetected pieces of space debris.
2007-03-01 06:34:58 · answer #1 · answered by kim_dude2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The heat shield is on the bottom, so the top of the shuttle would be facing the earth. Otherwise, the sun's rays would heat the shuttle and kill the crew. Also, as soon as the shuttle settles into orbit, they open the payload doors to release the heat from exiting the atmosphere.
2007-03-01 06:39:40 · answer #2 · answered by Lizzie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The shuttle travels upside down with the roof facing earth, except when it docks at the space station. There are videos of the shuttle doing its sommersault prior to docking. Remember it is traveling in a circle around the earth and goes upside down to try and give artificial feeling to the feet on the floor thing. This is the reason for the roll after takeoff.
2007-03-01 04:47:55 · answer #3 · answered by orion_1812@yahoo.com 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In space directional orientation is immaterial. You can sleep while standing. Because there is no gravity! Hence, the space shuttle can take any direction, so, there is no hard and fast rule that its roof faces the earth or not. All spatial orientations are same!
2007-03-01 04:52:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The heat sheild tiles face the sun (for heat protection), so the roof faces down to the earth.
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2007-03-01 04:31:14 · answer #5 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Back when I worked at Goddard ,the satellite flying at that time it was custom to rotate very slowly.That distributes the heat through out the body and reduces the strictly stress.
2007-03-01 07:21:33 · answer #6 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it is a constant, nor probably would anyone really care.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/NeatAstronomy/
2007-03-01 07:39:04 · answer #7 · answered by chase 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
away
2007-03-01 04:25:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does it MATTER? ... if it does ... then i would say that it wouldnt matter
2007-03-01 04:23:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anx A 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋