The Space Shuttle Backflip Explained | Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver

After the loss of Space Shuttle Columbia during the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, NASA introduced new safety procedures to ensure the Space Shuttle’s heat shield could be inspected while in orbit. One of the most visible changes was the Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver (RPM)—a slow backflip performed by the shuttle as it approached the International Space Station. This maneuver allowed astronauts aboard the station to photograph the shuttle’s underside so engineers on the ground could check for launch damage. Along with inspections performed using the Orbiter Boom Sensor System, the RPM became a critical part of NASA’s return-to-flight safety strategy. In this video, we explore why the maneuver was created, how it worked, and how it helped ensure the safety of every shuttle mission that followed. Shuttlesource is a video archive containing historical footage from the space shuttle program. It features rare and exclusive videos sourced from both private collections, NASA, and the U.S. National Archives. The archive spans the program from 1979 to 2011, covering all major events in the program along with footage of every shuttle mission. It offers an extensive view of launches, landings, astronaut training, press briefings, mission operations, orbiter preparations, and news coverage. The importance of Shuttlesource extends beyond preserving the historical record of the space shuttle program; it also serves as a vital resource for inspiring a new generation of space enthusiasts. We extend our gratitude to all who have contributed to making this archive possible. You can help preserve history by contributing rare videos. Shuttlesource accepts all formats, including audio cassettes and VHS tapes. Your contributions will help enrich this archive, ensuring that these valuable moments are not lost to time and can continue to inspire future generations. Please reach out via Facebook at www.facebook.com/shuttlesource. Video courtesy NASA. Music courtesy: Cylinder Five by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.