16. what are the three phases of space shuttle flight
Design Phase, Firing Phase, Landing phase
Space Shuttle
The approach and landing phase began when the orbiter vehicle was at an altitude of and traveling at . The orbiter vehicle followed either a -20° or -18° glideslope and descended at approximately 
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Space Shuttle [SEP] Re-entry and landing
The orbiter's maximum glide ratio/lift-to-drag ratio varied considerably with speed, ranging from 1.3 at hypersonic speeds to 4.9 at subsonic speeds. The orbiter vehicle flew to one of the two Heading Alignment Cones, located away from each end of the runway's centerline, where it made its final turns to dissipate excess energy prior to its approach and landing. Once the orbiter vehicle was traveling subsonically, the crew took over manual control of the flight. The approach and landing phase began when the orbiter vehicle was at an altitude of and traveling at . The orbiter vehicle followed either a -20° or -18° glideslope and descended at approximately .