– 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

IIRC, the orbiter itself was nothing more than a glorified glider. Sure, it had engines but those were more for steering upon reentry than having any real effect on takeoff. (Source: reading everything I could about the shuttle in the 80’s, cuz space = cool.)