Specs for the Rockwell STS

Performance, airspeeds, and detailed specifications for the craft.

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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 —

Hypersonic: 1.05

Subsonic: 5.1

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 —

Space Shuttle System: 56.14 meters (184.2 feet)

Orbiter: 37.23 meters (122.17 feet)

Height of Orbiter on runway: 17.27 meters (56.67 feet)

Wingspan: 23.79 meters (78.06 feet)

Weight —

At Liftoff: 2,041,166 kilograms (4.5 million pounds)

At Touchdown: 104,326 kilograms (230,000 pounds)

(varies depending on payloads and on-board consumables)

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

Altitude: 109.26 kilometers (59 nautical miles)

Velocity: 28,067 kph (17,440 mph)


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