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Why does the space shuttle have wings and a tail like an airplane?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
So that it can land like an airplane
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
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Why does a space shuttle have wings and a tail like an airplane?
So it can glide back to earth and land like and 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
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.
WhATshuttle space vehicle can orbit the earth and take off and land like an airplane?
Space Shuttle
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.
