Space Shuttle

The space shuttle was a partially reusable low earth orbital spacecraft system operated from 1981 to 2011 by the national aeronautics and space administration nasa as part of the space shuttle program.
Space shuttle. Heppenheimer is an excellent historical account of the political decision to build the shuttle. The orbiter was the part that looked like an airplane. The orbiter flew around earth. An idea born in unsettled times becomes a feat of engineering excellence.
The space shuttle was made of three main parts. Nasa s space shuttle fleet began setting records with its first launch on april 12 1981 and continued to set high marks of achievement and endurance through 30 years of missions. The space shuttle program was the fourth human spaceflight program carried out by the national aeronautics and space administration nasa which accomplished routine transportation for earth to orbit crew and cargo from 1981 to 2011. National aeronautics and space administration nasa.
The astronauts rode and lived in this part. Nasa s search for a reusable space vehicle nasa sp 4221 by t a. From los angeles to new york the space. Mrely 73 seconds after the launch the shuttle burst into flames and started hurtling down towards the earth.
The space shuttle decision. The orbiter the external tank and the solid rocket boosters. The most complex machine ever built to bring humans to and from space and eventuall. Nasa s retired space planes are officially on display for the public to enjoy but you ll have to go state hopping to see all four of the iconic spacecraft.