How does the space shuttle go into space?

Answer 1

The Space Shuttle were massively complex pieces of machinery, utilizing literally thousands of mechanical parts that had to work flawlessly in order for a launch to occur.

The Shuttles used 2 primary means of propulsion and boosting to achieve orbit:

1. External combined Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) / Liquid Oxygen (LOX) tank (orange/rust colored external tank the Shuttle was mounted on)

2. Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB's)

The LOX and LH2 fuel in the external tank was used by the Shuttle's main engines; the SRB's used solid rocket fuel, and were reusable once the fuel was expended. The SRB's were used because there isn't enough thrust from the Shuttle's main engines alone to achieve Earth orbit.

During the initial launch phase, at T minus 9 minutes into the countdown, a hold was placed on the countdown, and the Shuttle launch sequence was turned over to the Ground Launch Sequencer (GLS) software program at Kennedy Space Center. Upon resuming the countdown, the GLS system was responsible for monitoring critical launch systems for any failure (real or not), or parameters that are outside of established limits, interrupting the launch sequence if any parameter isn't met. At T minus 31 seconds, launch control is switched from the GLS system to the Shuttle's onboard main computers, which is then responsible for detecting any problems and stopping the count if necessary.

A few seconds prior to engine ignition, fuel vapor burn-off igniters under the engine nozzles would spark to burn off any hydrogen or oxygen vapors that might have accumulated under the engine nozzles. This was done to prevent explosive damage to the engine nozzles upon engine start, which would occur if there were any vapors present.

A few seconds prior to liftoff, the main engines and SRB's are ignited; when they reach full thrust, explosive charges blow the spacecraft's hold-down clamps free, letting the Shuttle loose for ascension.

Once the solid rocket fuel in the SRB's is expended, they are blown clear of the Shuttle, and descend to the ocean using parachutes. They are then picked up by special recovery ships, and brought back to KSC for shipment back to be refurbished and refueled.

The main engines continue to burn after the SRB's are released until the Shuttle achieves orbital altitude and speed. At that point, the external tank is blown clear, and it descends into the atmosphere, where it eventually burns up over the ocean.