What Was The Space Shuttle?

QUICK ANSWER

The Space Shuttle was NASA's partially reusable spacecraft that flew 135 missions from 1981 to 2011. Five orbiters (Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour) deployed satellites, built the International Space Station, and launched the Hubble Space Telescope. Two were lost in disasters that killed 14 astronauts.

The Space Shuttle was the iconic American spacecraft of the late 20th century. From 1981 to 2011, the fleet of five orbiters flew 135 missions, deploying satellites, repairing the Hubble Space Telescope, and building the International Space Station. The program was both spectacular and tragic, with two fatal accidents and many remarkable achievements. The Shuttle retired in 2011 after 30 years of service.

What was the Space Shuttle?

NASA's partially reusable spacecraft system. According to NASA, the Space Shuttle consisted of an orbiter (the airplane-shaped winged vehicle), an external fuel tank (the large orange tank), and two solid rocket boosters. The orbiter and boosters were reusable; the external tank burned up on re-entry each flight. The Shuttle could carry up to seven crew members, deploy and retrieve satellites, and conduct scientific research in orbit. Five flight-capable orbiters were built: Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour.

What did the Shuttle do?

Many different missions. The Space Shuttle launched satellites (including Hubble in 1990), serviced satellites (including five Hubble servicing missions), conducted scientific research, and built most of the International Space Station. The Shuttle's large cargo bay (60 feet by 15 feet) could carry payloads that no other vehicle could lift. The ISS was assembled almost entirely from Shuttle-delivered components between 1998 and 2011. The Shuttle also flew Spacelab missions for international science, including missions with European, Japanese, and Russian astronauts.

What were the disasters?

Challenger in 1986 and Columbia in 2003. Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after launch on January 28, 1986 due to a failed O-ring seal in cold weather, killing all seven crew members including teacher Christa McAuliffe. Columbia broke apart on re-entry on February 1, 2003 after foam insulation damaged its heat shield during launch, killing all seven crew. Both disasters revealed flaws in NASA's safety culture and led to long stand-downs. The disasters contributed to the decision to retire the Shuttle.

Why was it retired?

Cost, age, and risk concerns. The Space Shuttle was originally intended to make spaceflight cheap and routine, but operating costs proved far higher than expected. The orbiters were aging, and the disasters had revealed inherent design risks. President Bush announced the planned retirement in 2004. The final flight, STS-135 on Atlantis, ended July 21, 2011. The remaining orbiters were donated to museums: Discovery to the National Air and Space Museum, Atlantis to Kennedy Space Center, and Endeavour to the California Science Center.

The Space Shuttle was NASA's partially reusable spacecraft that flew 135 missions over 30 years (1981-2011). The five orbiters deployed satellites, built the ISS, and launched and serviced the Hubble Space Telescope. Two disasters killed 14 astronauts and revealed flaws in NASA's safety culture. The program retired in 2011, with the remaining orbiters now displayed in museums. It remains one of the most iconic spacecraft in history.

What Was The Space Shuttle?