– could the space shuttle just fly into space like a plane, rather than being propelled vertically by rockets?

Question

– could the space shuttle just fly into space like a plane, rather than being propelled vertically by rockets?

In: 48

Answer 1

Simple answer: The space shuttle is a glider not a plane. Gliders don’t have engines to generate lift to fly. Basically it used the rockets to get into space then just glided back to Earth.