How does the space shuttle roll on launch?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roll_program

 

Probably.

Nothing to see.

And perhaps the solid bottom protects it better from space dust and solar radiation?

 

I was guessing it was done by thrust-vectoring the main engines.

The Google says yes:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts115/launch/qa-leinbach.html

 

It's tough to tell by video.



Go to 6:20. There doesn't appear to be any movement of its flight controls on the wings. The SSME's( since they are gimbaled) probably cause the roll.

As to why it rolls, I am not 100% sure either. But, it does flip back over to jettison the ET and stays that way until it does the pitch maneuver to have the ISS crew examine the tiles.

 

There is one more launch, but any rolling action will be done by the SCA enroute to LA.

 

Oh, No, The shuttle had a accident, Kidding...

 

Here's your answer: http://stason.org/TULARC/science-en...does-the-shuttle-roll-just-after-liftoff.html