The Orbital Manoeuvring System consists of two liquid fuel [link to OMS/RCS fuel info below] engines located in pods on either side of the OrbiterÕs aft fuselage. Once the SRBs and ET have separated from the Orbiter, the OMS engines provide the vehicle with the <a href="Glossary">thrust</a> [link to glossary] it needs to enter into orbit, to move from one orbit to another, and to leave orbit and enter back into the EarthÕs atmosphere. The OMS is <a href="Glossary">gimballed</a> [link to glossary] to move slightly back and forth, as well as up and down. It is used to steer the Orbiter through major changes in location and position while in space.
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Each OMS engine produces a thrust of 26 700 Newtons [link to Newton info in SRB section].