Table of Contents
Why did the space program start?
NASA was created in response to the Soviet Union’s October 4, 1957 launch of its first satellite, Sputnik I. The Sputnik launch caught Americans by surprise and sparked fears that the Soviets might also be capable of sending missiles with nuclear weapons from Europe to America.
Why did NASA make the Space Shuttle?
It was designed to carry large payloads — such as satellites — into orbit and bring them back, if necessary, for repairs. Following test flights using the shuttle Enterprise (which did not go into space), the first space shuttle mission, STS-1, launched on April 12, 1981, aboard the orbiter Columbia.
How many space shuttles have been destroyed?
Two orbiters
SPACE SHUTTLE Two orbiters have been destroyed and their two crews of seven astronauts have died in accidents: Challenger during launch in 1986 and Columbia during reentry in 2003.
Who invented space shuttle?
| Space Shuttle | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | United Space Alliance Thiokol/Alliant Techsystems (SRBs) Lockheed Martin/Martin Marietta (ET) Boeing/Rockwell (orbiter) |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Project cost | US$211 billion (2012) |
| Cost per launch | US$576 million (2012) to $1.64 billion (2012) |
How do space shuttles come back to Earth?
Once the orbiter is tail first, the crew fires the OMS engines to slow the orbiter down and fall back to Earth; it will take about 25 minutes before the shuttle reaches the upper atmosphere. …
What did we learn from the Space Shuttle program?
The Space Shuttle was originally designed to be a cost effective way of getting man and technology into space. The program definitely did not deliver on that promise or projection. Also the Space Shuttle was considered to have only a risk of failure of 1 in 100,000.
Why did NASA shut down?
NASA is Shut Down. At midnight Friday, 21 December 2018, NASA and other major federal agencies shut down due to a political dispute over funding President Trump’s border wall proposal. Then the Senate adjourned for the Christmas holiday, ensuring that the impasse will endure until Thursday the 27th at the earliest.
What are facts about the Space Shuttle?
Top speed. While in orbit,the space shuttle’s speed goes up to 17,500 mph (28,000 kph) – almost nine times as fast as the rifle bullet after being fired.
Why was Space Shuttle canceled?
During the Space Shuttle program, several missions were canceled. Many were canceled as a result of the Challenger and the Columbia disasters. Many early missions were canceled due to delays in the development of the shuttle. Others were canceled because of changes in payload and missions requirements.