Simi-technical Space Shuttle question?

Question

After launch when the crew does the "roll program" are the shuttles ailerons used or is it done some other way?

Answer 1

The roll takes place relatively as soon as the shuttles clears the pad. What happens is that the shuttle is climbing to an altitude to orbit, and in this orbit it normally travels upside down (in relation to us). This helps direct objects and shuttle gravity (as little as it is) to the floor of the shuttle to give the brain some resemblance of up. So, like going on a loop in a roller coaster, the shuttle rolls and gives the astronauts a downward feeling (at the bottom of a loop or hill). Other wise the acceleration would give the astronauts the feeling of "cresting the hill" as they would be forced up against their straps.

The roll takes place quickly and I have never noticed whether thrusters or main engine use to do the roll.

Answer 2

The roll maneuver is performed by vectoring the thrust on the main engines, which are mounted on gimbals. The rocket nozzles can be turned in order to provide a moment to the spacecraft.