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Why does a space shuttle have wings and a tail like an airplane?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
So it can glide back to earth and land like and airplane.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
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Is the Space Shuttle an airplane?
No, the Space Shuttle is not an airplane in the classic sense. The Shuttle cannot "fly" from place to place like an airplane -- it must be carried from place to place on Earth on the back of an airplane. By the classic definition, an airplane is craft that uses power (engines) to push or pull it through the air while using the "lift" created on the wings to keep it aloft (in the air). The Shuttle uses power during launch, but like a rocket, pushing it up -- the wings are not used to keep it aloft. During reentry power is not pushing it through the air, it is sailing through the air (using the lift on its wings) like a big glider. So, at no time is the Shuttle being pushed through the air while using its wings for lift.
What does the space shuttle look like?
The Space Shuttle looks much like a passenger airplane, but it is more like a glider. Visit related links below for picture of the Space Shuttle
Why did the cooling method used on a space capsule not work for a space shuttle?
A space capsule, like the Apollo, is circular in shape and the shuttle is actually shaped like an airplane. The circular shape evenly distributes the heat caused by friction, thus slowing the capsule down. The shuttle, being variable in shape, would present a much different profile as it travels through the atmosphere. Where a capsule uses a parachute to land in the ocean, the shuttle can use its wings to land on a runway.
Could the space shuttle land on the moon?
No, the Space Shuttle cannot land on the moon. One of several reasons, it glides like an airplane, thus requires air and there is no air on the moon.
How does the space shuttle return to earth?
The STS or Space Shuttle uses a glide recovery system (like an airplane) to return and land on the ground. In the end, it is assisted by a parachute (only to decrease the speed of the shuttle at landing.)When given the command from Houston, it will slam into Earth's atmosphere. This will create enough friction between the Space Shuttle and Earth's atmosphere to heat the Shuttle's belly to 3,000+ F. The Shuttle will then glide to it's landing runway in either California or Florida, and land like an airplane.
Why does the space shuttle have wings and a tail like an airplane?
So that it can land like an airplane
Is the Space Shuttle an airplane?
No, the Space Shuttle is not an airplane in the classic sense. The Shuttle cannot "fly" from place to place like an airplane -- it must be carried from place to place on Earth on the back of an airplane. By the classic definition, an airplane is craft that uses power (engines) to push or pull it through the air while using the "lift" created on the wings to keep it aloft (in the air). The Shuttle uses power during launch, but like a rocket, pushing it up -- the wings are not used to keep it aloft. During reentry power is not pushing it through the air, it is sailing through the air (using the lift on its wings) like a big glider. So, at no time is the Shuttle being pushed through the air while using its wings for lift.
Why was a space shuttle designed like an airplane?
jankulumpsie
What does the space shuttle look like?
The Space Shuttle looks much like a passenger airplane, but it is more like a glider. Visit related links below for picture of the Space Shuttle
What is a type of rocket that lands like an airplane?
The space shuttle Is a type of rocket that lands like an airplane.
What blasts off like a rocket and lands like an airplane?
Space shuttle!
What blasts off like a rocket but lands like an airplane?
Space Shuttle
A reusable vehicle that lands like an airplane is called?
sounds like your after space-shuttle
WhATshuttle space vehicle can orbit the earth and take off and land like an airplane?
Space Shuttle
How can a space shuttle maneuver in space if there is no air?
The shuttle maneuvers with rocket engines for large changes in velocity, and little sprayers for small adjustments. Neither of those requires air. The wings you see on the shuttle are for use only in the atmosphere during re-entry and landing. At that time, it maneuvers like an 'ordinary' airplane.
How is a Apollo landing different to a space shuttle landing?
The Apollo capsule landed by parachute in the ocean. The shuttle lands like an airplane.
Why did the cooling method used on a space capsule not work for a space shuttle?
A space capsule, like the Apollo, is circular in shape and the shuttle is actually shaped like an airplane. The circular shape evenly distributes the heat caused by friction, thus slowing the capsule down. The shuttle, being variable in shape, would present a much different profile as it travels through the atmosphere. Where a capsule uses a parachute to land in the ocean, the shuttle can use its wings to land on a runway.
