thrust.

The space shuttle's launch system generated about 7.8 million pounds of thrust, enough force to lift its 4.5 million-pound structure through Earth's atmosphere and into orbit.

This immense thrust, produced by the shuttle’s two solid rocket boosters and three main engines, is roughly equivalent to the combined power of about 20 jumbo jets taking off simultaneously. To picture this power, imagine 400,000 cars accelerating in unison.

The thrust force overcomes gravity’s pull on the shuttle’s massive weight, accelerating it from zero to over 17,500 miles per hour to reach orbital velocity.