During launch, how far does a space shuttle's flame extend downward, in terms of feet?

serpa

Very good question, Datsmeharse. Until a better answer is given I offer this one. "This is a close-up photo taken with a telescopic lens taken about 80 seconds into the flight. The external tank and one solid rocket booster is clearly visible, along with a huge exhaust flame. On my screen, the SRB is about 5mm long, and the exhaust flame is about 7 times that length. Since the SRB is about 150 foot tall, that would make the flame be more than 1000 feet long." http://www.johnweeks.com/sts117/index.html Mar 31 10, 3:43 PM