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How would you describe a space shuttle?
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 …
Why is the space shuttle important today?
The space shuttle did many things. It could carry up to seven astronauts at a time. It took satellites to space so they could orbit Earth. The shuttle carried large parts into space to build the International Space Station.
Was the space shuttle a bad idea?
Criticism of the Space Shuttle program stemmed from claims that NASA’s Shuttle program failed to achieve its promised cost and utility goals, as well as design, cost, management, and safety issues. Fundamentally, it failed in the goal of reducing the cost of space access.
What is space shuttle in one sentence?
Meaning: n. a reusable spacecraft with wings for a controlled descent through the Earth’s atmosphere. 1) The space shuttle Atlantis returned safely to earth today. 2) This is Mission Control calling the space shuttle Discovery.
What is the benefit of a Space Shuttle?
But the shuttle’s ability to do this is unique. It is the only spacecraft ever made that could return to Earth like an airplane and then be used again. All other rockets that have ever launched humans into space have been designed to fly just once.
Why was the shuttle so unique?
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 are the benefits of a space shuttle?
The shuttle’s benefits For example, the shuttle has lofted many important pieces of hardware into space, such as the Hubble Space Telescope. And shuttle missions repaired and upgraded Hubble multiple times, enabling scientists to see the universe as never before.
What is the benefit of the space shuttle?
The shuttle’s benefits And shuttle missions repaired and upgraded Hubble multiple times, enabling scientists to see the universe as never before. Further, the $100 billion International Space Station, which could provide big research dividends down the road, has taken shape largely as a result of the shuttle’s efforts.
Was space shuttle a success?
It launched like a rocket, handled like a spacecraft in orbit, and flew home like a glider. It was the first reusable spacecraft to carry humans to space. It demonstrated the success of new technologies and returned America to flight after the Apollo program ended. The space shuttle was a ship like no other.
How do you use space shuttle in a sentence?
12) The space shuttle had been scheduled to blast off at 04:38. 13) The space shuttle returned safely today from a 10-day mission. 14) The space shuttle remained earthbound because of a technical fault. 15) Most space shuttle flights are dedicated to that project.
What was the original purpose of the Space Shuttle?
Background. The Shuttle was originally conceived of and presented to the public in 1972 as a ‘Space Truck’ which would, among other things, be used to build a United States space station in low Earth orbit during the 1980s and then be replaced by a new vehicle by the early 1990s. The stalled plans for a U.S.
What happened to the Space Shuttle’s external tank?
The external tank was the only part of the space shuttle not reused from launch to launch. It served as the “gas tank” for the space shuttle on launch. Once empty, this huge orange tank separated from the rest of the apparatus and fell back to Earth. (Image credit: NASA)
How many missions did the space shuttle fly?
It flew 39 missions — the most of any shuttle — and some of the major payloads it released included the Hubble Space Telescope, the sun-bound Ulysses spacecraft and the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite. It even flew Mercury astronaut John Glenn at age 77, making him the oldest person to fly in space to date.
How much did the Space Shuttle program cost NASA?
The Space Shuttle program occupied over 654 facilities, used over 1.2 million line items of equipment, and employed over 5,000 people. The total value of equipment was over $12 billion. Shuttle-related facilities represented over a quarter of NASA’s inventory.