2007-11-11 22:36:20 · 3 answers · asked by raphael s 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
When the Space Shuttle is in orbit it's traveling around 17,500 mph. NASA works with "feet per second". When the breaking rockets fire for reentry they reduce the speed by 450 ft per second which is just enough to begin dropping the craft into the atmosphere. The speed continues to reduce until the craft lands at a speed of around 200 mph. Atmospheric breaking and several turning maneuvers to bleed off speed are used to reduce the speed and line up for landing.The Space Shuttle is the fastest winged vehicle to have ever flown although not under it's own power.
.
2007-11-11 23:37:26 · answer #1 · answered by ericbryce2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normally about 20,000 mph and over Hawaii they fire the retro-es and start slowing at about 1000 mph per minute.
2007-11-12 04:06:04 · answer #2 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Orbital velocity at that height is around 18,000 mph. (5 miles per second)
2007-11-11 22:46:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋