Table of Contents
Why was the space shuttle a failure?
The mix of compromise, lack of funding, the limitations of 1970s technology, and the inability to upgrade or improve the system led to the shuttle’s downfall. When the Shuttle was first being advocated within NASA, it was much different, with two completely reusable stages and a relatively small payload bay.
How could the Challenger disaster been prevented?
Many months of investigation later, though, it became clear that one phone call could have prevented the accident. It could have been placed that morning to either Jesse Moore, NASA’s Associate Administrator for Space Flight, or Gene Thomas, the Launch Director.
When did they stop launching space shuttles?
The Space Shuttle program finished with its last mission, STS-135 flown by Atlantis, in July 2011, retiring the final Shuttle in the fleet. The Space Shuttle program formally ended on August 31, 2011.
What force helps a shuttle slow down?
As the object falls, it hits and rubs against these particles, creating friction. This friction causes the object to experience drag, or air resistance, which slows the object down to a safer entry speed.
Did families of the Challenger sue NASA?
After the 1986 Challenger disaster, four families of the seven astronauts killed reached out-of-court settlements with the Justice Department for a total of $7.7 million. The wife of Challenger pilot Michael Smith sued NASA in 1987.
Why did the O ring fail?
The cause of the disaster was traced to an O-ring, a circular gasket that sealed the right rocket booster. This had failed due to the low temperature (31°F / -0.5°C) at launch time – a risk that several engineers noted, but that NASA management dismissed. Via Wikipedia and NASA.
Will NASA ever launch again?
It is highly unlikely that NASA will ever again rely on rockets it has built on its own. The Space Launch System is the end of the line. If the only purpose it serves is giving the nation the time and confidence to get a private, reusable vessel spaceborne, it will have been a success.
How fast is the space shuttle going when it lands?
214 to 226 miles per hour
The orbiter’s main landing gear touches down on the runway at 214 to 226 miles per hour, followed by the nose gear. The drag chute is deployed, and the orbiter coasts to a stop.
What could a space ship do if it stopped because it ran out of fuel?
Even when the thrust that comes from the fuel runs out, the space ship will still move forward thanks to the momentum that came from the fuel. This momentum will then carry the space ship forward on the same trajectory that it was already travelling, even when the fuel runs out and the engine shuts off.