Why does the space shuttle have windows?

The space shuttle has triple paned, optical-quality windows. It is designed for maximum strength to withstand the shuttle’s cabin pressure in the vacuum of space. The thick fused silica middle pane is capable of withstanding both the reentry temperature and the cabin pressure.

Are there windows in a spacecraft?

A few multi-layer windows on a spacecraft provide astronauts the view they may need for navigating space and carrying out their exploration mission with visual data. The space shuttle used only glass panes for its primary windows.

Why do spaceships have to be so big?

To do a hover like that against full Earth gravity would take a lot of fuel. So much so that when fully fueled to land, your spaceship would need to be nearly as large as those rockets you see in televised launches that take our spacecraft into orbit.

How does a very massive space rocket be able to fly up the space * 1 point?

In space, rockets zoom around with no air to push against. Rockets and engines in space behave according to Isaac Newton’s third law of motion: Every action produces an equal and opposite reaction. When a rocket shoots fuel out one end, this propels the rocket forward — no air is required.

What are windows in spaceships called?

A porthole, sometimes called bull’s-eye window or bull’s-eye, is a generally circular window used on the hull of ships to admit light and air.

How thick are the windows on the space shuttle?

Each pane is 0.3 of an inch thick. The windows are 14.5 by 11 inches. Both panes are attached to the crew compartment.

Should spaceships have windows?

Spacecraft have no need of windows or portholes, for much the same reason as a submarine.

How massive is a rocket?

The mass of a rocket is the same on the surface of the Earth, the Moon and Mars. But on the surface of the Moon, the weight force is approximately 1/6 the weight on Earth, and on Mars, the weight is approximately 1/3 the weight on Earth.

How do spaceships get into orbit?

One way for them to get there is inside the nose cone of a rocket. In that case, the space shuttle itself is lifted by rockets into orbit. The spacecraft to be deployed is riding snugly in the cargo bay. At a certain height, the spacecraft is ejected and small rockets on it move it to the proper orbit altitude.

How does a rocket get into orbit?

When a rocket burns propellants and pushes out exhaust, that creates an upward force called thrust. To launch, the rocket needs enough propellants so that the thrust pushing the rocket up is greater than the force of gravity pulling the rocket down.

What are the limitations of a space ship’s size?

The first fundamental limitation to a space vessel’s size is material strength. Beyond a certain point, whatever material your ship is made of will collapse under its own weight without exotic active materials. We can do some estimates using the Lane-Emden equationto predict the stresses the spacecraft will have to endure.

What are the advantages of a lightweight spaceship?

Lighter spaceships can have smaller, more efficient engines and less fuel. This, in turn, saves more weight, thus creating a beneficial spiral of weight savings and cost reduction. Right: This fully-loaded Saturn V moon rocket weighed 6.2 million pounds.

How many people does it take to go to space?

Normally, crews may range in size from five to seven people. The Shuttle is designed to reach orbits ranging from about 185 kilometers to 643 kilometers (115 statute miles to 400 statute miles) high.

How can the cost of space travel be reduced?

Lowering the cost of space flight primarily means reducing weight. Each pound trimmed is a pound that won’t need propulsion to escape from Earth’s gravity. Lighter spaceships can have smaller, more efficient engines and less fuel. This, in turn, saves more weight, thus creating a beneficial spiral of weight savings and cost reduction.