why does the space shuttle rotate on itself of about 90° a few seconds after lift off ?

Answer 1

There is an interesting variety of incorrect answers here. It's fascinating to see people talk about something like they know what they're talking about when they really don't. The second answer isn't totally wrong but it doesn't really describe it well.

The purpose of the roll program that the shuttle undergoes shortly after liftoff is to align it on the correct trajectory for the orbit it is trying to attain. If the shuttle is going to the ISS, it will need to launch up at a heading of either 42 degrees or 135 degrees (approximately) depending on the current position of the orbit of the ISS. For other missions the heading depends on the orbit it is trying to attain. The launchpad faces a fixed direction, so it has to make this course adjustment quickly after liftoff.

When it launches, it follows a curved trajectory which is generally "heads-down." It essentially climbs up through the atmosphere nearly upside down. Before it does this it has to line up to go in the right direction. That is the purpose of the roll program.

Partway through the ascent (around 6 minutes give or take), the shuttle is almost completely upside down, and will do a roll to "heads-up", flipping around so that it's belly faces the ground.

Answer 2

When a space shuttle takes off, it is very important to immediately line itself with the desired path to avoid as much as fuel as possible. The Earth is round and given enough time in any direction you will loss the pull of the Earth's gravity. The reason why it rotates is because of atmospheric changes and wind resistance slow down this process and requires more fuel if it doesn't rotate. Another reason why is because the space shuttle is trying to use the Earth's gravity against it. Flying out at an angle will take a considerable less amount of energy then to fly straight up.

I hope this information helps you out!

Answer 3

Ride a roller coaster over the top of the hill. Imagine that feeling for a long extended period of time. The shuttle rotates so the fake gravity forces place them at the bottom inside of the arc for the climb as opposed to the top outside. The top outside would givce the astronauts the constant feeling of going over the hill in a coaster. As the shuttle climbs to orbit, the astronauts are "sort of forced downward so they feel normal"

Answer 4

the area return and forth starts a roll software presently after placing out so as that it particularly is interior the main superb orientation whilst it reaches orbit. there is likewise an argument with the return and forth vacationing immediately vertical as there is an preliminary difference between the ability output from the SRB's and the return and forth engines.

Answer 5

Two main reasons --
1) align onboard onboard antennas for best air to ground communications;
2) reduce aerodynamic forces during acceleration through the atmosphere

Answer 6

To keep the antennae pointed toward earth for communication and keep the heat shields toward the solar energy coming from space.