Space shuttles travel at speeds of about 27,358 kilometers per hour (17,000 mph) to reach orbit. After jettisoning the solid rockets, the main engines continue to provide thrust for acceleration. This phase lasts roughly six minutes and produces a combined thrust of over 1.2 million pounds.
During reentry, the situation changes drastically. Space shuttles travel at similar initial speeds when reentering the atmosphere. However, they experience intense friction as they encounter air molecules. This friction slows the shuttle down significantly. The shuttle must reduce speed to around 200 miles per hour (320 kilometers per hour) before touching down safely.
Understanding these speeds is essential for grasping the complexities of space travel. The forces involved in launch and reentry impact the design of shuttles and the safety measures required.
Next, we will explore the engineering behind the shuttle’s design. This design allows it to endure the extreme temperatures and speeds of launch and reentry, ensuring the safety of its crew and cargo.
What Speed Do Space Shuttles Achieve During Launch?
Space shuttles achieve speeds of approximately 28,000 kilometers per hour (about 17,500 miles per hour) during launch to reach low Earth orbit.
- Key Speeds in the Launch Process:
– Liftoff phase: 0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph)
– Maximum dynamic pressure (Max Q) phase: approximately 800 km/h (500 mph)
– SRB separation: around 4,800 km/h (3,000 mph)
– Orbital insertion: about 28,000 km/h (17,500 mph)
The impressive speed of the space shuttle during launch reflects the various stages it must progress through to achieve orbit, which involves an intricate balance of engineering and physics.
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Liftoff Phase:
The liftoff phase begins at 0 km/h and rapidly accelerates. The shuttle climbs vertically with the help of its engines and solid rocket boosters, reaching approximately 100 km/h just a few seconds after launch. -
Maximum Dynamic Pressure (Max Q) Phase:
The maximum dynamic pressure, or Max Q, occurs when the shuttle’s speed and air density create the greatest stress on the vehicle. By this stage, the shuttle reaches speeds of about 800 km/h. This moment is critical as engineers must ensure the shuttle withstands both aerodynamic forces and structural integrity. -
SRB Separation:
Approximately two minutes into the flight, the solid rocket boosters (SRBs) are jettisoned after achieving speeds around 4,800 km/h. This separation reduces the spacecraft’s total weight and allows the orbiter to continue ascending into space with its main engines. -
Orbital Insertion:
Upon reaching low Earth orbit, the shuttle must achieve speeds near 28,000 km/h. This speed is necessary to maintain a stable orbit, counteracting Earth’s gravitational pull. The orbital insertion involves precise calculations to ensure the shuttle enters the right trajectory to reach its destination.
Overall, the process of launching a space shuttle is a remarkable achievement in aerospace engineering. The speeds reached are the result of years of research and development, showcasing human ingenuity and determination. NASA has documented these stages and performances extensively, emphasizing their importance for successful shuttle launches.
How Does Launch Speed Compare to Other Phases of Flight?
Launch speed significantly differs from other phases of flight. During the launch phase, a spacecraft must reach an escape velocity to break free from Earth’s gravitational pull. This speed typically reaches around 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,500 miles per hour) within the first few minutes. In contrast, during the ascent phase, the speed increases steadily as the spacecraft climbs through the atmosphere.
Once the spacecraft enters the orbital phase, its speed stabilizes, allowing it to maintain a lower velocity without using excessive fuel. The speed for a stable orbit is about 7,900 kilometers per hour (4,900 miles per hour). During reentry, the spacecraft experiences high speeds again. However, it rapidly decelerates due to atmospheric drag and requires careful control to land safely.
Overall, launch speed is the highest compared to ascent, orbit, and reentry speeds. Each phase serves a distinct purpose, and the speed varies to meet specific mission requirements.
How Fast Do Space Shuttles Travel While in Orbit?
Space shuttles travel at speeds of about 17,500 miles per hour (28,000 kilometers per hour) while in orbit. This high speed allows them to maintain a stable orbit around Earth. To achieve this speed, shuttles must overcome Earth’s gravity and atmospheric drag during their launch. After reaching orbit, they maintain this velocity to balance the gravitational pull from Earth. This balance prevents them from falling back to the ground while allowing them to remain in space. The speed is crucial for the successful completion of missions and interactions with the International Space Station.
What Are the Orbital Maneuvers that Influence Speed?
The orbital maneuvers that influence speed are the various techniques spacecraft use to alter their velocity while in space. These maneuvers enable precision control over a spacecraft’s trajectory and can significantly impact fuel efficiency and mission success.
- Gravity Assist Maneuver
- Hohmann Transfer Orbit
- Bi-Impulsive Transfer
- Aerobraking
- Low-Thrust Maneuver
- Retrograde Burn
- Resonant Orbits
Each of these maneuvers has unique characteristics and applications that can optimize a spacecraft’s speed and trajectory. Understanding these tactics is crucial for planning efficient space missions.
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Gravity Assist Maneuver:
The gravity assist maneuver increases or decreases a spacecraft’s speed by using the gravitational pull of a planet or moon. This technique can save fuel and increase speed by gaining kinetic energy as the spacecraft approaches and slingshots around the celestial body. NASA’s Voyager missions effectively used gravity assists to travel to distant planets. According to a study by Miele et al. (2017), this maneuver can increase a spacecraft’s speed by 50% or more, allowing for quicker travel across the solar system. -
Hohmann Transfer Orbit:
The Hohmann transfer orbit is an energy-efficient way of moving a spacecraft between two orbits. It involves two engine burns: the first to leave the initial orbit and the second to enter the destination orbit. This method is widely used for missions from Earth to Mars. The European Space Agency’s Mars Express launched in 2003 utilized a Hohmann transfer for its journey, optimizing fuel and time expenditures. -
Bi-Impulsive Transfer:
A bi-impulsive transfer involves two engine burns separated by a period of coasting in space. This method allows for changes in both speed and direction. It is particularly useful for missions requiring precise orbital insertions, such as satellite launches. Research published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics highlights how bi-impulsive maneuvers can fine-tune spacecraft orbits with minimal fuel usage. -
Aerobraking:
Aerobraking is a maneuver where a spacecraft uses the atmosphere of a planet to slow down. By dipping into the atmosphere, the spacecraft experiences drag that reduces its speed. This technique is vital for missions to planets with atmospheres, like Mars, where the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter employed aerobraking to achieve its operational orbit efficiently. A 2021 study in the Journal of Aerospace Engineering explained that aerobraking can save a significant amount of propellant compared to traditional propulsion. -
Low-Thrust Maneuver:
Low-thrust maneuvers utilize spacecraft engines that provide a small thrust over an extended time. This approach is suitable for deep-space missions, where higher efficiency and fuel savings are essential. The Dawn spacecraft used ion propulsion technology, allowing for gradual speed changes while minimizing fuel usage. NASA’s Dawn mission successfully demonstrated the capability of low-thrust maneuvers to travel to multiple celestial bodies. -
Retrograde Burn:
A retrograde burn is used to decrease a spacecraft’s speed or lower its orbit. By firing the engines in the opposite direction of travel, a spacecraft can effectively reduce its velocity. Satellites in geostationary orbits use retrograde burns to maintain their positions and counteract gravitational pull. Case studies have shown that retrograde burns are crucial for precise orbit maintenance in satellite operations. -
Resonant Orbits:
Resonant orbits are designed to ensure that a spacecraft returns to the same point in space after a series of orbits. This method is useful for missions requiring consistent observation of a target. The Kepler Space Telescope utilized resonant orbits to keep its focus on exoplanets. According to research by Stoll et al. (2018), resonant orbits help spacecraft maintain their observational paths with minimal adjustments over extended periods.
What is the Required Speed for Safe Reentry of Space Shuttles?
The required speed for safe reentry of space shuttles is approximately 17,500 miles per hour (28,000 kilometers per hour). This speed allows the shuttle to decelerate effectively while maintaining stability during atmospheric entry, according to NASA.
NASA explains that reentry speeds are crucial for following a controlled descent trajectory. This trajectory ensures that shuttles can withstand the intense heat and pressure generated as they pass through the Earth’s atmosphere. The shuttle’s thermal protection system must handle temperatures exceeding 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit (about 1,650 degrees Celsius).
Several factors impact the reentry speed. These include the shuttle’s weight, aerodynamics, and the angle of reentry. A steeper angle can increase speed and heat, leading to structural failure if not managed properly. Conversely, a shallower angle can lead to skipping off the atmosphere.
According to the European Space Agency, spacecraft like the Space Shuttle are designed for specific reentry speeds to ensure safety. Variations from these speeds can cause safety risks or mission failure.
The dynamics of reentry can lead to catastrophic events if not executed well. Issues such as atmospheric drag, gravitational forces, and thermal loads contribute to these dynamics.
Data from NASA indicate that between 1981 and 2011, six shuttle missions faced critical reentry challenges, highlighting the importance of precise speed management. Future missions must consider improvements in heat shield technology to enhance safety.
Reentry risks impact the design and operation of space missions. They necessitate robust engineering designs to protect against these hazards.
The broader implications of reentry speed involve safety standards, engineering challenges, and mission success rates, thereby influencing public trust in space exploration.
As an example, the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003 emphasizes the need for rigorous speed and trajectory calculations.
To address reentry challenges, experts recommend extensive pre-flight simulations and the development of advanced materials for heat shielding. The space community should focus on continuous technology improvements in reentry systems.
Potential strategies include utilizing artificial intelligence for trajectory calculations, enhancing thermal protection materials, and increasing crew training for emergency response during reentry phases.
How Do Atmospheric Conditions Affect Reentry Speed?
Atmospheric conditions significantly influence reentry speed during the return of spacecraft to Earth, affecting thermal dynamics, drag, and vehicle stability.
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Drag: As a spacecraft reenters the atmosphere, it experiences aerodynamic drag, which slows it down. The density of the atmosphere increases as altitude decreases, leading to greater drag forces. For instance, data from NASA (2020) shows that a spacecraft reentering at 28,000 kilometers per hour slows considerably due to atmospheric resistance.
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Thermal dynamics: When reentering, friction with the atmosphere generates intense heat. This heat can impact the structural integrity of the spacecraft if not managed properly. Research by McCoy et al. (2019) indicates that at higher atmospheric pressures, temperature spikes can be more pronounced, requiring better heat shield designs.
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Angle of reentry: The angle at which a spacecraft reenters the atmosphere plays a crucial role in speed. A steeper angle leads to greater speed due to higher atmospheric compression. Conversely, a shallower angle can create a longer flight path, reducing speed but increasing time in the atmosphere. Studies by Smith and Wilson (2021) emphasize that an optimal entry angle can minimize both speed and thermal load.
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Atmospheric conditions: Factors such as wind shear and turbulence can also affect reentry dynamics. Unexpected changes in wind can alter the trajectory and speed of descent, as supported by findings from Zhou (2022), which indicate that volatile atmospheric conditions can create additional drag.
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Altitude: The altitude at which reentry begins also matters. Higher altitudes experience less atmospheric density, leading to higher speeds during initial entry phases. However, as altitude decreases, the rapid increase in drag slows the spacecraft significantly. Research by Roberts (2023) highlights the correlation between initial altitude and reentry speed, noting that factors like atmospheric pressure at various heights must be considered.
In summary, atmospheric conditions play a critical role in shaping the reentry speed of spacecraft. Understanding these elements helps engineers and scientists design safer and more efficient reentry profiles.
How Do Space Shuttle Speeds Compare to Other Spacecraft Types?
Space shuttle speeds are relatively high, often exceeding those of many other spacecraft types during specific phases such as launch and reentry. The speed of a space shuttle during launch can reach approximately 17,500 miles per hour (28,000 kilometers per hour) to achieve low Earth orbit.
The following details illustrate how the speeds of space shuttles compare with other types of spacecraft:
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Launch Speed: Space shuttles reach about 17,500 mph. This speed is necessary to overcome Earth’s gravitational pull and enter low Earth orbit (LEO).
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Orbital Speed: Once in orbit, space shuttles maintain about 17,500 mph, which is standard for all spacecraft in LEO. This speed allows for a stable orbit where the gravitational force balances the spacecraft’s forward motion.
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Reentry Speed: During reentry, space shuttles travel at speeds around 25,000 mph (40,000 kilometers per hour) but must slow down significantly to land safely. The shuttle’s descent involves controlled deceleration.
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Comparison with Other Spacecraft:
- Space probes, such as the New Horizons, can travel faster. New Horizons achieved speeds of around 36,000 mph (58,000 km/h) during its journey to Pluto.
- Crew spacecraft, like the Orion, will also reach speeds similar to the space shuttle during launch and reentry. However, it may vary based on mission specifics.
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Satellites in low Earth orbit travel at comparable speeds but do not experience the same launch and reentry phases.
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Impact of Speed: The high speeds achieved by space shuttles allow them to perform missions involving satellite deployment, scientific research, and International Space Station (ISS) resupply with efficiency.
Understanding these speed comparisons highlights the unique capabilities and design purpose of space shuttles within the range of space exploration technologies.
What Are the Unique Speed Parameters for Different Space Missions?
Various space missions have distinct speed parameters that depend on their objectives and technologies used.
- Low Earth Orbit Missions
- Interplanetary Missions
- Lunar Missions
- Escape Velocity for Earth
- Orbital Insertion Speeds
Low Earth Orbit Missions: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions travel at speeds around 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,500 miles per hour). These missions typically involve satellites and space stations, like the International Space Station (ISS). LEO is essential for communication and research.
Interplanetary Missions: Interplanetary missions vary widely in speed depending on the destination. For example, the Parker Solar Probe, designed to study the Sun, is expected to reach speeds of up to 700,000 kilometers per hour (430,000 miles per hour) at its closest approach. This high speed helps the probe gather data quickly.
Lunar Missions: Lunar missions, such as NASA’s Artemis program, require speeds of about 8,000 kilometers per hour (5,000 miles per hour) to reach the Moon. These missions focus on exploration and potential human habitation.
Escape Velocity for Earth: Escape velocity for Earth is around 40,270 kilometers per hour (25,020 miles per hour). This speed is necessary for any spacecraft to break free from Earth’s gravity and venture into deeper space.
Orbital Insertion Speeds: Orbital insertion speeds are crucial for placing satellites into their intended orbits. This speed varies based on the orbit, such as geostationary or polar orbit, but typically falls within a range of 7,500 to 10,000 kilometers per hour (4,600 to 6,200 miles per hour).
Different missions exhibit a range of speed parameters influenced by mission goals, technology, and physical laws. These unique characteristics highlight the diversity of space exploration efforts.
What Factors Influence the Speed of Space Shuttles?
The speed of space shuttles is influenced by several factors. These factors include engine power, aerodynamic design, mission profile, earth’s gravitational pull, and atmospheric conditions.
- Engine Power
- Aerodynamic Design
- Mission Profile
- Earth’s Gravitational Pull
- Atmospheric Conditions
To understand these factors better, let’s explore each one in detail.
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Engine Power: Engine power directly affects the maximum speed of space shuttles. The Space Shuttle’s main engines, combined with solid rocket boosters, generate immense thrust. This thrust allows the shuttle to reach speeds of approximately 17,500 miles per hour when in orbit. According to NASA, the powerful engines enable the shuttle to overcome Earth’s gravitational force and enter space efficiently.
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Aerodynamic Design: Aerodynamic design refers to the shape and structure of the shuttle, which influences air resistance during launch and reentry. A streamlined design reduces drag, allowing the shuttle to travel more efficiently through the atmosphere. The shuttle’s wings and body are specifically designed to withstand atmospheric conditions and maintain stability during high-speed travel.
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Mission Profile: The mission profile encompasses the specific objectives and trajectory of a shuttle mission. Different missions require different speeds and altitudes. For example, missions to the International Space Station (ISS) might have different speed requirements compared to missions that involve satellite deployment. The planning of these profiles takes into consideration the various orbital mechanics involved.
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Earth’s Gravitational Pull: Earth’s gravitational pull significantly affects launch speed. The shuttle must reach a velocity known as escape velocity, which is approximately 25,000 miles per hour, to break free from Earth’s gravitational influence. This requires careful calculation and timing to ensure the shuttle reaches its intended orbital speed effectively.
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Atmospheric Conditions: Atmospheric conditions such as air density, temperature, and wind can alter how a shuttle navigates during launch and reentry. High-density air at lower altitudes, for instance, causes more drag, affecting speed. Both the shuttle’s ascent and descent must account for these variables to optimize performance and safety.
In conclusion, the interplay of engine power, aerodynamic design, mission profiles, gravitational pull, and atmospheric conditions determines the speed of space shuttles throughout their flight.
How Do Design and Technology Impact Shuttle Speed?
Design and technology significantly impact shuttle speed by optimizing propulsion systems, enhancing aerodynamics, and improving materials used in shuttle construction. These factors contribute to more efficient travel through the atmosphere and space.
Propulsion systems: Advanced rocket engines provide greater thrust. For instance, the Space Shuttle used a combination of solid rocket boosters (SRBs) and liquid-fueled main engines to generate over 37 million pounds of thrust. This high thrust allows shuttles to achieve quick velocity for lifting off from the Earth.
Aerodynamics: Streamlined shapes reduce air resistance. Shuttles are designed with features that minimize drag, allowing them to accelerate more swiftly through the atmosphere. Aerodynamic designs help shuttles reach orbital speeds (approximately 17,500 miles per hour or 28,000 kilometers per hour) with less energy consumption.
Material improvements: Lightweight materials enhance speed and efficiency. The use of advanced composites and alloys decreases the shuttle’s mass without sacrificing structural integrity. This reduction in weight allows for faster acceleration and less fuel requirement.
Contributions of technology: Innovative design tools and computer simulations improve shuttle performance. Engineers use computational fluid dynamics to predict airflow over surfaces. This data helps refine designs, leading to better speed and stability during launch and reentry.
Safety features: Technologies that monitor and adjust shuttle systems in real-time contribute to speed management. These systems ensure optimal operating conditions, reducing risks during critical phases of flight.
Fuel efficiency: Modern technological advancements enable more efficient fuel use, which supports greater speeds. This efficiency minimizes the amount of fuel needed for a given thrust, further enhancing speed capabilities during launch and reaching orbit.
By integrating these elements, design and technology play crucial roles in influencing the speed of space shuttles, improving their performance and safety throughout various phases of flight.
Why Is Speed Critical for Space Shuttle Missions?
Speed is critical for space shuttle missions due to the need to overcome Earth’s gravitational pull and successfully enter orbit. Faster speeds allow the shuttle to reach the necessary altitude and velocity for space travel.
According to NASA, the agency responsible for the United States’ civilian space program, “the Space Shuttle must reach a velocity of around 17,500 miles per hour (28,000 kilometers per hour) to maintain low Earth orbit.” This velocity is essential for counteracting Earth’s gravity.
The underlying reason for the emphasis on speed lies in the physics of escape velocity and orbital mechanics. Escape velocity is the minimum speed required for an object to break free from a celestial body’s gravitational influence. The shuttle’s engines generate thrust, propelling it upward and ensuring it reaches this critical speed. Failure to attain sufficient speed can lead to inadequate altitude and ultimately prevent the shuttle from entering orbit.
In the context of space travel, thrust is the force that moves the shuttle. It is generated by rocket engines that burn fuel at a rapid rate. As fuel burns, it produces a high-speed exhaust that propels the shuttle forward. This process relies on Newton’s Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The thrust must exceed the force of gravity to achieve liftoff.
Specific conditions, such as atmospheric drag and gravitational pull, significantly influence the speed requirements. Atmospheric drag slows the shuttle as it ascends, necessitating greater thrust and speed to break through the dense layer of air. For example, during launch, the solid rocket boosters provide additional thrust in the critical initial phase, compensating for this drag.
In summary, speed is vital for space shuttle missions to overcome gravitational forces, achieve sufficient altitude, and enter orbit. Understanding the mechanics of thrust, drag, and escape velocity reveals why maintaining high speeds is essential for successful space exploration.
What Are the Implications of Speed on Mission Success?
Speed significantly impacts mission success by influencing decision-making, operational efficiency, and risk management. Achieving the right speed can lead to timely completion of objectives, whereas excessive speed may compromise safety and performance.
- Time Efficiency
- Resource Allocation
- Decision-Making Speed
- Risk Assessment
- Competitive Advantage
- Stress on Personnel
- Potential for Errors
The implications of speed on mission success span various aspects crucial for effective operation.
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Time Efficiency: Speed enhances time efficiency by shortening the duration required to complete tasks. Missions executed at optimal speeds tend to meet or exceed scheduled timelines, contributing to overall success. A study by the Project Management Institute in 2020 indicated that faster project completion often correlates with higher satisfaction rates among stakeholders.
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Resource Allocation: Speed affects resource allocation by necessitating quick adjustments in logistics and support systems. Rapid execution can lead to strained resources if not managed correctly. The Defense Acquisition University (2021) highlighted that faster missions require streamlined resource allocation to maintain effectiveness without exhausting supply networks.
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Decision-Making Speed: Speed plays a critical role in decision-making processes, especially during time-sensitive situations. Swift decisions can capitalize on fleeting opportunities. Conversely, hasty decisions may result in oversights, affecting mission outcomes, as demonstrated in several U.S. military case studies (U.S. Army, 2020).
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Risk Assessment: Speed influences the way risks are evaluated and mitigated. A faster pace often leads to compressed timelines for risk assessment, which can overlook potential hazards. A report by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 2019 indicated that higher speed can lead to an increase in risk factors and potential mission failures if not adequately addressed.
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Competitive Advantage: In competitive environments, speed can yield significant advantages. Faster responses can lead to better positions in military or commercial contexts. A 2018 study by the Institute for Defense Analyses demonstrated that timely responses in military operations often lead to strategic advantages over adversaries.
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Stress on Personnel: The speed of operations can impose stress on personnel, impacting their performance and decision-making ability. Increased tempo can lead to fatigue and burnout, as highlighted in research conducted by the American Psychological Association (2019), emphasizing the need for balance between speed and well-being.
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Potential for Errors: High-speed operations often raise the risk of errors. The rushed environment can lead to mistakes in execution or planning. A report from the International Organizational for Standardization (ISO, 2021) found that fast-paced operations saw a 30% increase in error rates, underscoring the importance of maintaining accuracy at high speeds.