How Does the Space Shuttle Take Off

Multiple Choice

How does the Space Shuttle take off?

A) Its rocket engines push against the launch pad, propelling the shuttle upwards.
B) by converting mass-energy to kinetic energy
C) by achieving lift from its wings in the same way that airplanes do
D) Hot gas shoots out from the rocket and, by conservation of momentum, the shuttle moves in the opposite direction.
E) The hot rocket exhaust expands the air beneath the shuttle, propelling it forward.