When the space shuttle takes-off, why does it roll onto its back?

Question

And why don't rockets do the same?

Answer 1

The Saturn V rocket also made a roll after launch but it was to align on-board antenea with the ground.  Shortly after clearing the tower the Shuttle begins a roll and pitch program to set its orbital inclination and so that the vehicle is below the external tank and SRBs, with wings level. The vehicle climbs in a progressively flattening arc, accelerating as the weight of the SRBs and main tank decrease. To achieve low orbit requires much more horizontal than vertical acceleration. This is not visually obvious since the vehicle rises vertically and is out of sight for most of the horizontal acceleration.

.

Answer 2

Rockets have the engines on the base of the cylindrical body.  Therefore the thrust is applied directly along the length of the body.  The shuttle is basically strapped to a rocket.  The shuttle rolls below the booster rocket to prevent a "top heavy" attitude since the course of the craft is on a slight curve.  This eliminates some of the necesary course adjustments.

Answer 3

Good question because rockets roll too.I just dug up the Apollo 11 launch transcripts and at +30 seconds Neil Armstrong had reported the pitch and roll program complete

Go to http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/history/mission_... then go to page 13of 633

Answer 4

To keep all G-loading positive while it goes through it's arc in the sky due to the Coriolis effect.

Answer 5

About 20 seconds into the flight, the shuttle makes an unusual move. It rolls! The whole shuttle, also called the stack, turns so the orbiter lies under the external fuel tank and the solid rocket boosters. This roll is important for a number of reasons. First, it reduces the stress on the orbiter's delicate wings and tail created by the near mach one speed of the shuttle at this point into the flight. Second, it makes it easier for the computer to control the shuttle during the remainder of the ascent. Third, it enables the astronauts to see the horizon, giving them a reference point should the mission have to be aborted and the shuttle forced to land. How much the shuttle rolls depends on the inclination of the shuttle's orbit. (Inclination refers to the angle of the orbit relative to the earth's equator. Greater the inclination, the greater the angle of roll required.)