SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-shuttle-glider-landing

How did a space shuttle orbiter land?

As an unpowered glider on a runway.

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  1. Under a giant balloon
  2. As an unpowered glider ✔
  3. By hovering on rockets

Why: After reentry, the orbiter had no powered go-around. It glided through the atmosphere and touched down on wheels, so pilots had to manage its energy carefully.

Huh, didn't know that: The orbiter's landing approach was much steeper than an airliner's.

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The shuttle saved its engine noise for launch and glided home quietly.
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References

Answer: As an unpowered glider. After reentry, the orbiter had no powered go-around. It glided through the atmosphere and touched down on wheels, so pilots had to manage its energy carefully.

  1. NASA, What Was the Space Shuttle? www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/for-kids-and-students/what-was-the-space-shuttle-grades-5-8
    The orbiter landed like a glider.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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