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The space shuttle only use the liquid fuel that is onboard to start the decent process. They burn their engines to slow down just enough for the earths gravity to begin pulling them back to earth. After that, they are simply big gliders.

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Do space shuttles use fuel?

Space shuttles use fuel when taking off and for control while in orbit, deorbiting, and landing. The main takeoff engines use liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, and there are two solid-fuel rocket boosters. In orbit, the shuttle uses thrusters that burn hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide.


Do space shuttles land on the moon?

Space shuttles don't land on the moon. They only went between the Earth's surface and orbit. The didn't carry enough fuel to get to the moon, and couldn't land there anyhow. No atmosphere, no runway, no Place to refuel.


Why can't space shuttles land on the moon?

Space shuttles do not have the capacity to hold enough fuel to reach the moon. Also, they could not land on the moon as they need a runway and have no other alternative way of landing. They are designed to land in Earth's atmospheric conditions. All round, they are most unsuitable for reaching the moon and were only designed to be in earth orbit.


How does helium help space shuttles get into space?

Helium is used as a pressurizing agent in the fuel and oxidizer tanks of space shuttles. By regulating pressure during fuel consumption, helium ensures a steady flow of propellants to the engines, which is crucial for achieving the necessary thrust to lift the shuttle off the ground and into space.


Why do space shuttles need separate oxygen to burn the fuel in the space shuttle?

Space shuttles operate in the vacuum of space where there is no air to provide oxygen for combustion. Therefore, they carry their own liquid oxygen as an oxidizer to allow the fuel to burn in the rocket engines. This ensures that the shuttle can generate thrust and maneuver in space.

Related Questions

Do space shuttles use fuel?

Space shuttles use fuel when taking off and for control while in orbit, deorbiting, and landing. The main takeoff engines use liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, and there are two solid-fuel rocket boosters. In orbit, the shuttle uses thrusters that burn hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide.


Do shuttles use nuclear fuel?

If you mean space shuttles, the answer is no.


Do space shuttles land on the moon?

Space shuttles don't land on the moon. They only went between the Earth's surface and orbit. The didn't carry enough fuel to get to the moon, and couldn't land there anyhow. No atmosphere, no runway, no Place to refuel.


Do space shuttles use a lot of fuel?

yes


Why can't space shuttles land on the moon?

Space shuttles do not have the capacity to hold enough fuel to reach the moon. Also, they could not land on the moon as they need a runway and have no other alternative way of landing. They are designed to land in Earth's atmospheric conditions. All round, they are most unsuitable for reaching the moon and were only designed to be in earth orbit.


How does helium help space shuttles get into space?

Helium is used as a pressurizing agent in the fuel and oxidizer tanks of space shuttles. By regulating pressure during fuel consumption, helium ensures a steady flow of propellants to the engines, which is crucial for achieving the necessary thrust to lift the shuttle off the ground and into space.


Is there any oxygen inside the space shuttles?

Yes. The space shuttle carries oxygen for its crew to breathe and to act as an oxidizer for its fuel.


Why do space shuttles need separate oxygen to burn the fuel in the space shuttle?

Space shuttles operate in the vacuum of space where there is no air to provide oxygen for combustion. Therefore, they carry their own liquid oxygen as an oxidizer to allow the fuel to burn in the rocket engines. This ensures that the shuttle can generate thrust and maneuver in space.


Where does NASA keep the space shuttles that are not being used?

Space shuttles are placed in a hangar at Kennedy Space Center when not on a mission or on pre- or post flight processing. The very tall Vehicle Assembly Building is where they are prepared for flight and where the External Fuel Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters are joined to the orbiter. Post flight checks and repairs are also carried out here.


How do Space shuttles re-fuel in outer space?

Space shuttles do not refuel in outer space in the traditional sense; they are typically launched with all the fuel they need for their missions. However, spacecraft can transfer fuel in orbit using a process called propellant transfer, where one vehicle transfers fuel to another using specialized hoses and connectors. This technique is primarily used with satellites and space stations, like the International Space Station, which can receive fuel from visiting supply ships. Spacecraft are designed for specific missions, and once their fuel is used, they generally return to Earth or remain in orbit until they re-enter the atmosphere.


In space what kind of fuel is used by space shuttle?

Space shuttles use a combination of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as fuel for their main engines. These two chemicals combine in a controlled combustion process to produce the thrust needed for the shuttle to launch and navigate through space.


How are space shuttles powered once out of earth's atmosphere?

Space shuttles are powered using rocket engines that burn liquid fuel (such as liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen) or solid rocket boosters. Once out of Earth's atmosphere, the space shuttle relies on these engines to propel itself through space and maneuver in a zero-gravity environment.