The NASA Space Shuttle travels at approximately 17,400 miles per hour or 4.9 miles per second when it moves in earth's orbit. At this speed, it take just 90 minutes (an orbit and a half) to circle the entire globe. To travel to the international Space Station takes approximately one full day at this orbital speed.

The Shuttle travels at approximately 25,000 mph as it returns in the earth atmosphere with the aid of thrust from onboard propulsion.