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Because if it took off horizontally, it would continue to circle the earth, hitting all those people in the boats that are watching the take-off, then continue until it came to a land mass and possibly strike buildings, vehicles, people...until it exploded into a fireball of great magnitude. So, to avoid this, NASA decided to have the shuttles take off vertically.
< It takes off vertically to reach less dense air ( less drag and aerodynamic heating ), and then begins a pitch maneuver to increase its tangential ( to the Earth) velocity; which eventually leads to a continuous orbit about the Earth. This procedure reduces the necessary on board mass of propellant on the spacecraft. The shuttle is essentially in free fall around the Earth ( imagine a cannon being fired at such a speed that it as it falls, the curvature of the Earth decreases in a proportional manner).>
What else can I help you with?
Can a space shuttle take off from a runway?
The space shuttle has to start straight up, like a rocket.
What does a space shuttle take off like?
A space shuttle takes off vertically with the help of powerful rocket engines. It accelerates into space through the atmosphere until it reaches orbit. Once in space, the shuttle disconnects from its rocket boosters and continues its journey to the intended destination.
What state does the Space Shuttle usually take off from?
The Space Shuttle usually took off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Where did the space shuttle Challenger take off?
Atlantic ocean off the coast of central Florida
Where does the space shuttle take off from?
The Space Shuttle used to take off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. However, the Space Shuttle program ended in 2011. Rocket launches now take place from various locations around the world, depending on the spacecraft and mission.
Where does the shuttle take off from?
Launch Pad - it is shot off to space vertically with SRB (solid rocket boosters) - havent you seen om TV - shuttle being launched??
Can a space shuttle take off from a runway?
The space shuttle has to start straight up, like a rocket.
What does a space shuttle take off like?
A space shuttle takes off vertically with the help of powerful rocket engines. It accelerates into space through the atmosphere until it reaches orbit. Once in space, the shuttle disconnects from its rocket boosters and continues its journey to the intended destination.
What state does the Space Shuttle usually take off from?
The Space Shuttle usually took off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Were did the first space shuttle take off?
texas
Where did the space shuttle Challenger take off?
Atlantic ocean off the coast of central Florida
What do space shuttle take off like?
straight up
Where does the space shuttle take off from?
The Space Shuttle used to take off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. However, the Space Shuttle program ended in 2011. Rocket launches now take place from various locations around the world, depending on the spacecraft and mission.
Can the space shuttle take off like a plane?
No. It's internal engines do not have enough thrust, nor do the wings produce enough lift for the shuttle to lift off. If it attempted it, it would end in failure as a burning wreckage at the end of the runway.
When did the first space shuttle take off?
The first space shuttle, Columbia, took off on April 12, 1981. It was the inaugural mission of NASA's Space Shuttle program, known as STS-1.
When is the next take off to the moon by a space shuttle?
Never: The Shuttle has never been to the moon and never will.
Have you ever seen a space shuttle take off in person?
Yes.
