How fast does a space shuttle go?
Max speed so far is a little more than 17,500 miles per hour. It achieves this speed when it separates from the external fuel tank, at the end of the burn of its main engines when it sets up for orbital insertion. It takes care of business up there, and then a short burst of the maneuvering thrusters slows the vehicle down and it begins losing altitude and setting up for re-entry, all the while decelerating. From the moment the engines are fired to take the shuttle out of orbit to bring it back to earth, it is slowing down.
