How was the space shuttle different from previous spacecraft?

NASA’s space shuttle was the world’s first reusable spacecraft. It launched like a rocket and returned to Earth like a glider, landing like an airplane on a long concrete runway. It was designed to carry large payloads — such as satellites — into orbit and bring them back, if necessary, for repairs.

What made the space shuttle different from conventional rocket?

Differences between the shuttle and conventional rockets Shuttle was unusual in that the Orbiter (payload) hung on the side of a large fuel and oxidizer tank that fed the engines on the end of the Orbiter (Rockets carry payloads on top).

What is the difference between a space shuttle and a spaceship?

A spacecraft is something designed to fly in space, and can be manned or unmanned. A space shuttle is an American manned spacecraft designed to support human crews of seven for up to 30 days.

What rocket launched the space shuttle?

The Space Shuttle was launched vertically, like a conventional rocket, with the two SRBs operating in parallel with the orbiter’s three main engines, which were fueled from the ET….

Why was the space shuttle created?

space shuttle, also called Space Transportation System, partially reusable rocket-launched vehicle designed to go into orbit around Earth, to transport people and cargo to and from orbiting spacecraft, and to glide to a runway landing on its return to Earth’s surface that was developed by the U.S. National Aeronautics …

What are space shuttles made of?

They are made up of what is called a porous silicon material that is very light and extremely heat resistant. There are two main types of tiles, one a black-coated tile called HRSI for High-Temperature Reusable Surface Insulation tile.

What is space shuttle made of?

Why was the space shuttle so revolutionary?

“One of the greatest legacies of the space shuttle has been its ability to open space to more and different types of people,” Pearlman said. “Many nations saw their first citizen enter space aboard the shuttle, including Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Spain.

Why are space shuttles no longer used?

While reentering Earth’s atmosphere, Columbia broke apart, killing the entire crew. All of these factors — high costs, slow turnaround, few customers, and a vehicle (and agency) that had major safety problems — combined to make the Bush administration realize it was time for the Space Shuttle Program to retire.

Why was the space shuttle made?

Did the Space Shuttle launch like a rocket or an airplane?

The space shuttle launched like a rocket. But it landed like a glider airplane. The solid rocket boosters and the main engines on the orbiter helped the shuttle blast off from Earth like a rocket. The two boosters dropped off the shuttle two minutes after launch. They fell into the ocean. A special boat picked the boosters out of the ocean.

What are space shuttles?

Fundamentally, Space Shuttles are a system of rockets that launch a spacecraft that is itself a vehicle with several rocket thrusters. But this is also true of most spacecraft.

What is partially reusable launch system and spacecraft?

Partially reusable launch system and spacecraft. The Space Shuttle was a partially reusable low Earth orbital spacecraft system that was operated from 1981 to 2011 by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as part of the Space Shuttle program.

What was the first orbital spacecraft designed for reuse?

The Space Shuttle was the first operational orbital spacecraft designed for reuse. Each Space Shuttle orbiter was designed for a projected lifespan of 100 launches or ten years of operational life, although this was later extended.