Space Shuttle liftoff thrust
Space Shuttle liftoff thrust is the total upward force produced by its engines and boosters to launch the shuttle from Earth.
Also known as: Space Shuttle launch thrust
How big is it?
30.5 MN of force
Approximate total liftoff thrust · approximate
Typical recorded range: 30 MN to 31 MN.
A little perspective
About the same scale as Saturn V liftoff thrust.
Saturn V liftoff thrust: Saturn V liftoff thrust is the combined force generated by the Saturn V rocket's first stage engines during launch.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Space Shuttle liftoff thrust
Approximately 30.5 MN at liftoff from two Solid Rocket Boosters plus three Space Shuttle Main Engines. Thrust changes through ascent and quoted totals vary with engine rating and atmospheric convention.
NASA Technical Reports Server — Space Shuttle transportation system
The marked approximate total liftoff thrust is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Saturn V liftoff thrust
A representative 34 MN liftoff-thrust anchor for the Saturn V first stage. Engine variation and the distinction between sea-level and in-flight thrust are covered by the stated range.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked liftoff thrust is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 30.5 MN
For comparison, this page uses approximate total liftoff thrust. This is labelled approximate; the central value is useful for comparison, while real values or measurement solutions can vary. The recorded range is 30 MN to 31 MN.
Approximately 30.5 MN at liftoff from two Solid Rocket Boosters plus three Space Shuttle Main Engines. Thrust changes through ascent and quoted totals vary with engine rating and atmospheric convention.
The identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Space Shuttle liftoff thrust dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30.5 MN | 30 MN to 31 MN | approximate |
Around this scale
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These links use compatible weight records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · GravityWind turbine tower base load20 MNThe wind turbine tower base load is the downward force exerted at the base of a wind turbine tower due to the weight of the structure and the effects of wind.Around the same scale · GravitySLS Block 1 liftoff thrust39 MNSLS Block 1 liftoff thrust is the total propulsive force produced by the Space Launch System Block 1 rocket at launch.Nearest higher value · GravitySaturn V liftoff thrust34 MNSaturn V liftoff thrust is the combined force generated by the Saturn V rocket's first stage engines during launch.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NASA Technical Reports Server — Space Shuttle transportation systemSolid Rocket Booster and main-engine sea-level thrust used to estimate total liftoff thrust.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
SpaceSpace Shuttle orbiter37.24 mA Space Shuttle orbiter was a reusable winged spacecraft that carried crews and cargo between Earth and low orbit.GravitySaturn V liftoff thrust34 MNSaturn V liftoff thrust is the combined force generated by the Saturn V rocket's first stage engines during launch.GravitySLS Block 1 liftoff thrust39 MNSLS Block 1 liftoff thrust is the total propulsive force produced by the Space Launch System Block 1 rocket at launch.GravityWind turbine tower base load20 MNThe wind turbine tower base load is the downward force exerted at the base of a wind turbine tower due to the weight of the structure and the effects of wind.GravityFalcon 9 liftoff thrust7.6 MNFalcon 9 liftoff thrust is the total force produced by the Falcon 9 rocket's engines to lift it off the launch pad.GravitySuspension bridge main-cable tension200 MNSuspension bridge main-cable tension is the pulling force transmitted along a main cable to support the structure and its loads.GravityLaunch escape thrust of a Soyuz rocket4 MNThis is the force produced by the Soyuz rocket's launch escape system to rapidly move the crew capsule away in an emergency.GravityAircraft carrier buoyant support force1,000 MNAircraft carrier buoyant support force is the upward force from water that counteracts the weight of an aircraft carrier, enabling it to float.