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PERFORMANCE
Takeoff distance, ground roll: 0 ft Takeoff distance over 50-ft obstacle: 0 ft Maximum demonstrated crosswind component: 15 kt Rate of climb (typical ascent profile at 130,000 ft): 132,000 fpm Orbit Altitude: 185 to 643 kilometers (115 to 400 statute miles) Orbit Velocity: 27,875 kph (17,321 mph) Lift-to-drag (glide) ratio —
Landing distance, ground roll (typical): 10,000 ft Landing distance, ground roll (minimum): 7,000 ft LIMITING AND RECOMMENDED AIRSPEEDS (ATMOSPHERIC) VLD (best glide speed), sea level: 185 kt (heavy) VA (design maneuvering speed): 185 kt (approx) VLE (max gear extended): 312 kt VLO (max gear operating): 312 kt VNE (never exceed): 333 kt VSO (stall, landing configuration): 150 kt DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS Length —
Height of Orbiter on runway: 17.27 meters (56.67 feet) Wingspan: 23.79 meters (78.06 feet) Weight —
Maximum cargo to orbit: 28,803 kilograms (63,500 pounds) CLIMB PARAMETERS
Solid Rocket Booster Separation: 2 minutes after launch External Tank Separation: 8.6 minutes after launch
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Specs for the Rockwell STS
Key Takeaways:
- The Space Shuttle system features a unique operational profile, with 0 ft takeoff distance for orbital insertion (reaching up to 400 miles altitude at 17,321 mph after a rapid 132,000 fpm ascent) and an atmospheric return requiring a typical 10,000 ft ground roll for landing.
- It is a colossal vehicle, weighing 4.5 million pounds at liftoff, capable of transporting 63,500 pounds of cargo into orbit.
- Its complex flight dynamics include critical ascent separation events (Solid Rocket Boosters at 2 minutes, External Tank at 8.6 minutes) and distinct atmospheric flight characteristics for re-entry and landing, such as a 150 kt stall speed and varying glide ratios.
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