Space Shuttle abort modes

High school (ages 12+)
Transportation

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/space-shuttle-abort-modes

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the spacecraft type?Reusable winged orbiter with integrated crew cabin
2. What is the abort philosophy?Multi-tiered system prioritizing crew survival through various ascent phases
3. What is a Space Shuttle escape plan?It is a set of special ways the Shuttle can get the astronauts safely out of danger if something bad happens while it is going up. The plan uses the Shuttle's own engines and wings to stop or change direction so the crew can land safely.
4. How does the Shuttle escape if something goes wrong during launch?If the Shuttle has a problem early on, the Launch Abort System would pull the crew cabin away. Later, if the problem happens a bit later, the Shuttle can try to reach orbit, or if that fails, it can turn around and glide back to the launch site, or fly to a safe landing spot far away.

Mission Elapsed Time (MET): The total time that has passed since the Space Shuttle launched.
Aerodynamic Capabilities: The ability of the Shuttle to be controlled by air as it flies, like an airplane.
Retrograde Burn: Firing rocket engines in the opposite direction of travel to slow down.