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The orbiter's velocity on orbit is approximately 25,405 feet per second (17,322 statute miles per hour). In order to return to earth, the shuttle fires its Orbital Manuevering Engines (OMS) in the direction opposite to its orbit . It only slows down by about 200 m.p.h. in order to begin "falling" back to earth.

by abdi2k10!!!!!!

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14y ago

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