Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Des on 23/03/2010 22:30:02

Title: How do space shuttles measure their speed?
Post by: Des on 23/03/2010 22:30:02
Des asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi, do space shuttles have speedometers that work in space? If so how do they gauge their speed?

Cheers

Dublin Bus Driver.

What do you think?
Title: How do space shuttles measure their speed?
Post by: LeeE on 24/03/2010 09:44:07
I think that radar would be the simplest solution.
Title: How do space shuttles measure their speed?
Post by: Soul Surfer on 24/03/2010 09:58:20
There are several ways  A variant of GPS is probably the most accurate.  I say a variant because normal GPS does assume that you are reasonably close to the surface of the earth space shuttles do go a few hundred miles up and this may require more calculation.