A space shuttle refers to a reusable spacecraft system used by NASA, the United States space agency, for human spaceflight missions from 1981 to 2011. The space shuttle program aimed to provide a versatile and cost-effective means of transporting astronauts and cargo to and from low Earth orbit, conducting scientific research in space, and building and servicing space infrastructure such as satellites and the International Space Station (ISS).
Key features of the space shuttle system include:
1. **Orbiter**: The space shuttle orbiter was the main component of the spacecraft and served as the crew cabin, payload bay, and control center for the mission. The orbiter resembled an airplane with wings and a tail and was capable of carrying a crew of up to seven astronauts, along with cargo and scientific equipment. The orbiter was designed to be reusable, with thermal protection tiles on its heat shield to withstand the intense heat of reentry into Earth’s atmosphere.
2. **Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs)**: Two solid rocket boosters were attached to the sides of the orbiter and provided the initial thrust needed to launch the spacecraft into orbit. The SRBs burned solid propellant and were jettisoned and recovered after each launch for refurbishment and reuse.
3. **External Tank (ET)**: The external tank was a large fuel tank located between the two SRBs and connected to the orbiter. The external tank contained liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants used by the orbiter’s main engines during launch. Unlike the SRBs, the external tank was expendable and was jettisoned and allowed to burn up in the atmosphere after its propellants were expended.
4. **Main Engines**: The space shuttle orbiter was equipped with three main engines located at the rear of the spacecraft. The main engines were fueled by the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen stored in the external tank and provided thrust during the ascent phase of the launch. The main engines were capable of throttling to adjust thrust levels and were used to maneuver the spacecraft in orbit.
5. **Cargo Bay**: The cargo bay of the space shuttle orbiter was a large, open area located behind the crew cabin used to carry payloads, satellites, scientific experiments, and other equipment into space. The cargo bay could be configured for different missions and was equipped with a robotic arm for deploying and retrieving payloads and performing spacewalks.
The space shuttle program conducted a total of 135 missions over its three-decade lifespan, including crewed missions to deploy and service satellites, conduct scientific research in microgravity, and assemble and resupply the ISS. Despite its many accomplishments, the space shuttle program was retired in 2011 due to high costs, safety concerns, and the development of alternative launch systems.
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