Space shuttle velocity in orbit

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Space Shuttle Orbital Velocity: Key Figures and Concepts

The space shuttle reaches a velocity of about 17,500 miles per hour (approximately 28,000 kilometers per hour) to maintain a stable low Earth orbit. This high speed is achieved shortly after launch, as the shuttle's main engines and solid rocket boosters work together to propel the orbiter into space. The engines throttle up after initial stress reduction, allowing the shuttle to reach this orbital velocity in under nine minutes after liftoff .

Achieving and Maintaining Orbital Velocity

The shuttle's navigation and guidance systems are designed to precisely control and monitor its position and velocity throughout the mission. These systems account for gravitational, aerodynamic, and rocket engine forces to ensure the shuttle reaches and maintains the required orbital speed . Once in orbit, the shuttle's velocity is carefully propagated and monitored using advanced models that consider gravity and other dynamic effects, ensuring accurate navigation and minimal errors over time .

Orbital Velocity and Atmospheric Reentry

During reentry, the shuttle's guidance system manages the transition from orbital speeds down to much lower velocities suitable for landing. The system uses the shuttle's velocity profile to predict and control the range and trajectory during atmospheric entry, ensuring a safe and controlled descent . The shuttle's ability to maneuver at high speeds during reentry also allows it to reach various landing sites, with gliding turns possible at velocities close to its orbital speed .

Velocity and Environmental Interactions

The shuttle's velocity in orbit also affects its interaction with the surrounding environment, such as the ionospheric plasma. The angle between the shuttle's velocity vector and Earth's magnetic field can influence plasma wave activity around the orbiter, which is important for certain scientific experiments and operational considerations .

Conclusion

In summary, the space shuttle travels at about 17,500 miles per hour in orbit, a speed necessary to balance Earth's gravity and remain in low Earth orbit. This velocity is achieved through precise engine control and is maintained and monitored by sophisticated navigation systems. The shuttle's high orbital speed is central to its mission operations, reentry procedures, and interactions with the space environment 124567.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

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The optimal vertical ascent to geosynchronous earth orbit with thrust acceleration and dynamic pressure constraints can minimize propellant consumption and maximize final mass, with a performance index penalty of less than 0.1%.

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Control of plasma waves associated with the space shuttle by the angle between the orbiter's Velocity vector and the magnetic field

The angle between the magnetic field and the shuttle's velocity vector controls the amplitude and spectral character of plasma waves associated with the space shuttle, affecting ionospheric plasma studies and experiments.

1991·

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·I. Cairns et al.

Shuttle navigation status

Shuttle navigation involves determining orbiter position, velocity, and attitude, with guidance, flight control, consumables, and systems management, requiring measurement of gravitational, aerodynamic, and rocket engine forces.

1985·

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1996·

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Decomposition technique and optimal trajectories for the aeroassisted flight experiment

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1991·

8citations

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Lateral-Directional Controllability Impacts of Longitudinal Pitch Trim Strategies on the Space Shuttle Orbiter

The Space Shuttle Orbiter's limited high-speed maneuvering capability was due to a slender, delta-wing configuration with an under-determined pitch trim control strategy.

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