2007-06-18 13:24:00 · 6 answers · asked by advgman52 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I'd guess that most of this is due to organizational/process issues. You might like to look up how long it takes for a return of the Russian Soyuz capsules.
The website below notes that it takes about 60 minutes from the ignition of the de-orbit burn to landing at KSC. Preparations on board start about 4 hours before landing.
Then there are weather issues and so on.
These days the shuttle usually does a bit of a circuit of the Station after undocking but I would expect that it would only take an hour or so from undocking for the shuttle to be in a position where it could do a deorbit burn without endangering the Station.
2007-06-18 16:50:02 · answer #1 · answered by Peter T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can't dive 90° downwards. They would disintegrate the Shuttle.
They must gradually lower from the orbit at the right angle in order for the friction with the atmosphere to lower the speed until will be slow enough for landing, if possible in one of the only two available landing places in America.
2007-06-18 21:00:06 · answer #2 · answered by NaughtyBoy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has to reposition itself to a lower orbit, more aligned with targeted landing sites and nearer the atmosphere. This allows it to accurately re-enter the atmosphere and "dead-stick glide" into the landing site.
During this repositioning phase, weather assessments are made at a handfull of landing sites long enough to accomodate the shuttle landing and a landing site is affirmed. Once this is done, the precise time for retro-rocket firing is calculated, and the shuttle can begin an accurate, on-target descent.
2007-06-18 20:34:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It’s unbelievable how many people think you can just place a satellite or just bring it straight down. Like the guy a few days ago wondered why they can’t put satellites in orbit from balloons.
Jeez, these things are travelling at 17000 mph or more, and the fact is they have to maintain that speed to stay in orbit (very basic physics).
To get into orbit you have to be injected with a rocket that will get you up to orbital velocity.
To get out of orbit without burning up, you gotta slow down gradually. In fact the re-entry slows you down, but too deep an angle will burn you up.
It is amazing just what people think keeps satellites up there.
2007-06-18 23:05:16 · answer #4 · answered by nick s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Frankly the issue is not distance it is speed and timing, plus a lot of checks and calculations. Getting home in a one-shot glide requires perfect weather, perfect timing, and perfect angle. Also, the trip home does not begin at the space station...it begins after much slow reduction in altitude.
2007-06-18 21:49:48 · answer #5 · answered by zahbudar 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have to wait for the right time for the earth to be in the correct position.
Then their course trajectory and re-entry angle will be perfect to land them on the runway.
Plus they have to complete a pre flight check manual which I assume to be pages upon pages long.
2007-06-18 20:28:36 · answer #6 · answered by Tsumego 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋