2007-12-26 07:50:08 · 9 answers · asked by Ladybug 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
it takes 8 minutes to reach orbit. the solid rocket boosters burn for 2 minutes (126 seconds) then seperate. the 3 main engines continue to burn for another 6 minutes (480s) then the external tank seperates. at this point the 2 smaller orbital manuver engines may burn to raise the orbit or may burn later to circulize the orbit.
an interesting fact to note. at the moment of the solid rocket booster seperation the space shuttle has a thrust to weight ratio of less than 1 and its vertical velocity actually decreases until enough fuel is consumed to lighten the load. the vehicle keeps accelerating through the horizontal plane throught the entire main engine burn though.
the main engines dont shut off because they run out of fuel. they are shut down intentionally before running out of propellant because they would destroy themselves if they ran dry.
2007-12-26 19:19:35 · answer #1 · answered by mikedelta 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
how long does it take the space shuttle to reach space once it leaves the launch pad?
2015-08-21 03:23:41 · answer #2 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It takes three days to get to the Moon. The space shuttle gets into orbit in about eight minutes and if going to the space station catches up with it in about two days.
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2007-12-26 08:15:24 · answer #3 · answered by ericbryce2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I watched this on the science channel and I believe it takes 20 minutes, give or take. The shuttle has 3 rocket motors in the tail. It needs 2 functioning properly plus help from the booster rocket to achieve orbit. If more than 1 motor goes out, they have to abort the mission and glide back to earth. However, there is a point of no abort at a certain altitude and that is entering orbit.
2007-12-26 08:54:59 · answer #4 · answered by Jackolantern 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think space shuttle to reach space it take 20 to 30 min.
2007-12-26 09:03:44 · answer #5 · answered by pawan1 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It takes eight years to get to orbit
2017-02-25 13:19:35 · answer #6 · answered by Dom 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first answer is exactly correct. It takes about 10 minutes to get up to orbital speed, but only about 2 or 3 minutes to get above the atmosphere.
2007-12-26 10:50:22 · answer #7 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
About 10 minutes to achieve orbit. It enters space sooner than that (at about 50 miles high), but still needs to accelerate to gain orbital velocity of 7,500 kilometers per hour.
2007-12-26 07:52:27 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
the main engines burn for about 10 minutes, then the small engines above the mains burn for another 5, I believe, boosting the shuttle to the orbit it needs.
2007-12-26 08:31:48 · answer #9 · answered by quantumclaustrophobe 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
8 mintues to reach the orbit.
2013-09-25 15:53:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋