Space shuttle pressure map. Colored computer-generated map of static aerodynamic pressure over a space shuttle in supersonic flight at launch. The shuttle is seen attached to its external tank and two booster rockets that propel it into orbit. A blue grid of part of the shuttle is visible. Static pressure is color-coded: red (maximum), through yellow, to green (minimum). Highest pressure is seen on the nose cone of the external tank, booster rockets, and the nose and windscreen of the shuttle. Other regions of high pressure are the leading edge of the shuttle wing and around its tail. A pressure map for subsonic shuttle flight on re-entry would appear quite different.
