THE SPACE SHUTTLE

Shuttle Orbiter

The Space Shuttle Primary objective is to improve access to space First flight was April 1981 with astronauts Young and Crippen Has flown approximately 100 missions carrying 1.5 million pounds of cargo and over 600 major payloads

The Space Shuttle World’s first and only reusable space vehicle Can transport people, materials, equipment and spacecraft into orbit Also used to service and repair satellites and observatories and to conduct medical and scientific experiments

Space Shuttle Components Orbiter-can carry up to 7 astronauts and the payload in its 60-foot long cargo bay (Atlantis, Discovery & Endeavour) External tank (154 feet) which stores nearly half million pounds of liquid oxygen and hydrogen Solid rocket boosters which generate nearly 6 million pounds of thrust; jettisoned 2 minutes into flight.

Shuttle Missions Astronomy and Microgravity Science Astrophysics and Planetary Science Atmospheric Science Communications Geophysics and Solar Physics Life Science Research National Security

International Commitments The Shuttle has flown payloads and astronauts from may different countries including: Australia, Italy, Belgium, Mexico, Canada, The Netherlands, Germany, Russia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, France, Switzerland, India, Spain, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom.