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Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / How does the space shuttle maneuver?
« on: 01/03/2011 10:30:03 »
Taylor Sharpe asked the Naked Scientists:
Hello Naked Scientists!
My name is Taylor and I'm from Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada.
I love the show and listen every week.
Since Discovery has just completed it's last launch, I've come up with a couple questions that I was hoping you guys could answer.
1. Why is it that the Shuttle's 3 main engines look like the very clean, directional flame from a jet lighter but the explosions coming out of the solid rocket boosters look like a huge mix of orange and yellow flame just bursting out?Â
2. How does the space shuttle maneuver at each point in it's flight? (liftoff, primary ascent, in orbit, re-entry)?? Does it use conventional avionics? thrusters positioned on the craft? engine throttling?
Thanks so much! I hope to hear the answers on the air!!
Keep up the great work guys, and for pete's sake, Chris.... get some sleep! you work too hard! hahaha.
Taylor Sharpe
What do you think?
Hello Naked Scientists!
My name is Taylor and I'm from Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada.
I love the show and listen every week.
Since Discovery has just completed it's last launch, I've come up with a couple questions that I was hoping you guys could answer.
1. Why is it that the Shuttle's 3 main engines look like the very clean, directional flame from a jet lighter but the explosions coming out of the solid rocket boosters look like a huge mix of orange and yellow flame just bursting out?Â
2. How does the space shuttle maneuver at each point in it's flight? (liftoff, primary ascent, in orbit, re-entry)?? Does it use conventional avionics? thrusters positioned on the craft? engine throttling?
Thanks so much! I hope to hear the answers on the air!!
Keep up the great work guys, and for pete's sake, Chris.... get some sleep! you work too hard! hahaha.
Taylor Sharpe
What do you think?