Is the Space Shuttle a spacecraft or an aircraft?

Answer 1

Spacecraft, but not aircraft.

It is strictly a glider in the atmosphere, with no power to accelerate. Once it starts falling back to earth, it keeps falling.

Answer 2

The definition of aircraft is something like "A machine or device that is capable of atmospheric flight" and so the Shuttle is indeed an aircraft as it flies through the atmosphere. And it is also a spacecraft, obviously.

So my definition would be "An aircraft which is also a spacecraft" or the other way around too.

As for the Shuttle being considered as a glider, gliding is also part of flying and as the saying goes "Gliding is to powered flight as seduction is to rape"

Answer 3

I would say the space shuttle is primarily a spacecraft,but because it lands like a glider,it could also be considered an aircraft (at least part time) .

Answer 4

The Shuttles are spacecraft, not aircraft. The biggest differentiation is that spacecraft do not have the capability of sustained air flight, and are sealed such that they prevent leakage of air from the fuselage.

Once the Shuttle enters the atmosphere, it becomes a glider. Take a look at its landing path, and you can see how it glides from orbit to landing, and is required to make several S-turns to slow down enough to land.

Answer 5

It's a spacecraft in space and an aircraft in the atmosphere.

Answer 6

whilst the holiday is in area that is a spacecraft yet whilst the holiday is interior the earth's ecosystem it could be considred as a glider. So... interior the earth's ecosystem it would be an airplane in accordance to FAA regulations Federal Aviation regulation Definitions airplane- means a gadget this is used or meant for use for flight interior the air. FARS section a million section a million.a million Glider- means a heavier-than-air airplane, this is supported in flight via the dynamic reaction of the air against its lifting surfaces and whose unfastened flight would not remember exceptionally on an engine. FARS section a million section a million.a million

Answer 7

An aircraft as mentioned above is something capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere... the space shuttle is not capable of sustained flight, if they miss the runway, they are SCREWED... no power to go around, no power to reverse thrust, although they have brakes and parachutes...

Answer 8

its a spacecraft. its shaped like an aircraft though so that it can land on a runway and be more reusable. it may look like air craft but its not since it cant really fly around in the atmosphere.

Answer 9

A spacecraft.

Answer 10

aircraft don't have the underside heat plates which keep the shuttle from burning up in the layers of atmosphere