Space Shuttle Liftoff

[PDH]

I was told by an astronaut that it was on its back in the event that the shuttle needed to separate from the SRB's and fuel tank. The shuttle would separate and would not have to fly through the path or in front of the tank or SRB's on its descent--it could simply pull away from them and descend simultaneously.

 

[FlightTraker]

Here are the some other reasons...........(sixth paragraph)

http://www.cdli.ca/CITE/sts_ascent.htm



FlightTraker

 

[Rogue5]

After reading the above I do remember seeing some show on the Disco channel or something where it stated one of the main reasons for the roll was to "unload" the wing and thus not over stress it as the orbiter accelerates.

Since the shuttle is in an arcing flight path as it exits the atmosphere, by rolling onto its back it achieves a relatively zero AOA in the climb and greatly reduces any positive or negative forces on the wings.

I think this consideration led to the placement of the antennae on the back of the orbiter.

 

[big_al]

just an FYI, if you hear it on tv, especially the discovery channel, chances are its not true. there are some real winners, those discovery channel contracted writers and producers

 

[Workin'Stiff]

And also to protect those antennae during re-entry...

 

[Flyerjosh]

Additionally, the shuttle rolls over in orbit to provide views to the crew, greater protection from earthbound (falling) debris, and solar radiation. With TDRS (I think that stands for Telemetry/Data Relay System), the position of the orbiter doesn't matter in orbit since radio and other communication signals can be bounced off other satellites.

 

[AC560]

I seem to recall that the rolled over position in space (the bottom has the heat tiles which are pointed toward the sun) and the opening of the cargo bay doors was to dissipate heat in orbit as it is rather hot up there (as evidenced by problem with Skylab heat shield).

 

[Flyingdutchman]

Are they hiring these days? what are there mins? Where can I buy a space shuttle type?

 

[urflyingme?!]

I heard that Bob Hoover flew the Space Shuttle under the Golden Gate!

 

[mzaharis]

According to NASA's Space Shuttle News Reference:

"The vehicle begins a combined roll, pitch and yaw maneuver that positions the orbiter head down, with wings level and aligned with the launch pad. The orbiter flies upside down during the ascent phase. This orientation, together with trajectory shaping, establishes a trim angle of attack that is favorable for aerodynamic loads during the region of high dynamic pressure, resulting in a net positive load factor, as well as providing the flight crew with use of the ground as a visual reference. By about 20 seconds after lift-off, the vehicle is at 180 degrees roll and 78 degrees pitch."

This is the reason that the shuttle goes out on its back. Any post-ascent maneuvering doesn't cost much in terms of fuel - they pick the "on its back" ascent due to its advantages during the ascent.