What’s the purpose of doing the roll after takeoff for the space shuttle? I might could understand if they were trying to keep it straight like a bullet spinning, but they only do the short roll and then stop. Is it just for testing controls or is there some other reason for it?
From Aerospaceweb.org | Ask Us - Space Shuttle Roll During Liftoff
The main reason for the roll seems to be the way the launch pad is orientated launches the shuttle so it tilts in the wrong way (shuttle on top) so after launch it needs to roll over (for drag/stress and communication issues)
Why in the world would they build a launch complex oriented in the wrong direction?
Of course the exercise of the operating controls would be a good enough reason to do the maneuver without that need.
Tris
My thought, too…
The pads were built for the Apollo missions. The major elements like the flame trench were set then. So not a lot scope to play with. Also, the actual roll executed depends upon the orbit needed. Different missions demand different orbits, and different rolls, so there isn’t a single right pad orientation anyway.
Ah, ok. That makes more sense! Thanks!