Space Shuttle Liftoff

[airplane wizard]

Does anyone on here know why the Space Shuttle rolls on it's back during liftoff?

 

[CaravanMan]

The only thing I can think of, which probably isn't correct, is to help those onboard cope with the G-forces since the flight path does seem to be an arc. Again, just a guess.

 

[Rogue5]

From the wikipedia entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_shuttle#Ascent

Shortly after clearing the tower the Shuttle begins a roll and pitch program so that the vehicle is below the external tank and SRBs. The vehicle climbs in a progressively flattening arc, accelerating as the weight of the SRBs and main tank decrease. To achieve low orbit requires much more horizontal than vertical acceleration. This is not visually obvious since the vehicle rises vertically and is out of sight for most of the horizontal acceleration.

 

[TrafficInSight]

When it's in orbit it's "on its back." Perhaps rolling on its back right away just prepares it for that so they don't have to expend thruster fuel to turn it over?

edit: nevermind then

 

[FL420]

The only thing I can think of, which probably isn't correct, is to help those onboard cope with the G-forces since the flight path does seem to be an arc. Again, just a guess.

I think you're on to something. I'm guessing the crew would experience positive G's after translation instead of negative G's during the sub-orbital acceleration phase.

 

[kevdog]

I think so they can see the earth during orbit. We already know what happens to it when the fuel tanks explode.

 

[nosehair]

The State of Florida made that a conditional requirement during contract negotiations during the planning phase of Cape Canaveral.
This roll-over is so that the passengers have a full view of the beautiful beaches along the Florida Coast.

Wouldn't it be great if the Airlines would do the same?

 

[bubble]

I heard somewhere that the space shuttle rolls 90 degrees right after liftoff in order to point the antennas toward mission control to maintain good communitcation.

 

[Workin'Stiff]

I had also heard that same thing...

 

[sleddriver71]

I think Rogue5 has the best answer. When they jettison the external tanks, they need to fall "away" from the Space Shuttle. They wouldn't want to run into them.