– 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

The Space Shuttle launched vertically just for the first few seconds. You can even see on the videos from the ground that it turns to go almost horizontally before it is out of sight. The reason for this is to get out of the thickest part of the atmosphere as soon as possible. The atmosphere at higher altitudes are much thinner creating much less air resistance making it easier to accelerate up to speed. You see the same maneuver in interceptor fighter jets like the F-16. Just after takeoff they can go almost vertically getting up to cruise altitude before the end of the runway. The Space Shuttle did the same and went up to altitude before flying horizontally to get up to speed.