Oct 7
Short Adventures in Orbit: What is the Space Shuttle?
- Işık Arda Yardımsever
- Oct 7
- 7 min read
Throughout human history, we have always sought a universe beyond the heavens, and we continue to do so. But we can't achieve this simply by observing from Earth. We must physically transcend the atmosphere and see the universe with our own eyes. While this isn't easy to achieve, we have developed vehicles that offer us various opportunities, and the space shuttle is one such example. So, what is a space shuttle, how does it work, what are its features, and when was it first used? Those seeking information about the space shuttle, gather around, because we've already buckled up and are flying headfirst!
Contents
What is the Space Shuttle?
Space shuttles, or spacecraft, are vehicles used to carry people and cargo to low Earth orbit. Their fuselages generally resemble those of an airplane and they land on a runway. While most are reusable, the necessary part replacements after a mission are a significant expense. Furthermore, due to accidents and other safety issues, these vehicles have been discontinued after 2011. NASA has developed a total of six space shuttles. SpaceX's Starships are in the testing phase and continue to be developed.
Space Shuttle Parts
Of course, we can't ignore the sections of such a massive spacecraft. First of all, because these vehicles are manned, life on the space shuttle is possible. In short, these sections are as follows:
Orbiter: The main spacecraft that houses the crew and controls the spacecraft in orbit. It includes a cockpit, life support systems, a robotic arm (Canadarm), and a cargo bay.
External Fuel Tank: A large orange tank that provides liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen fuel to the main engines. It separates and falls to Earth upon reaching orbit after liftoff.
Solid Fuel Rockets: Two large solid fuel rockets that provide additional thrust at liftoff. When their fuel runs out, they separate and fall into the sea shortly after liftoff.
Heat Shield: Heat-resistant coating that protects the shuttle body from the high temperatures generated during atmospheric return.
Landing Gear: The wheel and suspension system that ensures the shuttle touches the ground safely when landing.
How Do Space Shuttles Work?
At liftoff, the space shuttle uses powerful solid-fuel rockets and main engines to reach orbital speed; then the fuel tank and rockets are separated. Astronauts perform tasks in orbit, performing tasks such as satellite repairs and space experiments. At the end of the mission, the shuttle is decelerated by atmospheric friction, while heat shields protect it from excessive heat. Parachutes deploy, and the landing gear glides down the runway in a controlled manner, landing safely back on Earth.
Can Space Shuttles Be Reused?
Yes, developed spacecraft can be reused. However, reusing these vehicles is sometimes equivalent to rebuilding them. These vehicles are exposed to extreme temperatures and pressures during their journey into space. The hull, engines, and other components are individually inspected. This means that not every part is truly "reused." On the contrary, complete replacement may be necessary if necessary.
What is the Use of the Space Shuttle?
Space shuttles are used to launch astronauts into space, transport equipment for maintenance, deploy satellites and space probes into orbit, return payloads to Earth, and conduct space experiments. NASA continued these missions, which began in 1981 and continued until 2011, completing a total of 135 missions during that time. As you can see, space shuttle missions are diverse and tailored to specific needs.
How Does the Space Shuttle Return?
The space shuttle's descent begins with a high-speed departure from Earth's orbit and glide toward the upper atmosphere. Reduced by a maneuver called a "de-orbit burn," the shuttle experiences significant friction upon contact with the atmosphere, heating its surface to 1,600°C (1,600°F). At this stage, special heat shields are activated. The shuttle descends in a glider-like motion, without using engines, approaches the designated runway, and finally, slows down with the aid of a parachute for a wheeled landing.
When Was the Space Shuttle Invented?
The space shuttle concept was conceived in 1969 after the success of Apollo 11. Then-US President Richard Nixon announced the Space Shuttle Program in 1972, and work began. Although Enterprise was initially developed in 1976, it was used as an atmospheric test vehicle. The first officially launched space shuttle was Columbia, which was used on the STS-1 mission in 1981. In other words, Columbia could be considered the first fully developed space shuttle.
Features of the Space Shuttle
NASA has used certain standard dimensions when designing its spacecraft. While today's vehicles are designed for more specific needs, most features remain the same. In short, the general characteristics of the space shuttle are as follows:
Length: Approx. 37 meters
Wingspan: Approximately 24 meters
Engines: 3 main rocket engines
Booster rockets: 2 solid-fuel rocket boosters
Heat shield: Special ceramic tiles that provide protection upon re-entry
Reusability: Body and motors can be used multiple times
Orbital payload: Can carry approximately 27 tons of payload into Earth orbit
Take-off style: The space shuttle takes off and lands like a plane landing horizontally from a long runway.
Control systems: Can be controlled with both manual and autopilot systems
Duty periods: 7 to 14 days
Information About Space Shuttles
How Many Minutes Does It Take for the Space Shuttle to Reach Space?
Space shuttles reach the 100-kilometer Karman line, the internationally recognized boundary of space, in approximately 2.5 minutes, and Earth orbit in approximately 8.5 minutes. During the journey, the spacecraft reaches high speeds and temperatures, experiencing pressures three times those felt on Earth.
How Many Tons Does the Space Shuttle Weigh?
The entire Space Shuttle system—the Orbiter, the External Fuel Tank, and the two Solid Fuel Rockets—weighs approximately 2,029,633 kg (2,030 t) at liftoff. The Orbiter itself weighs 78 t, the External Fuel Tank weighs approximately 26 t empty, and each Solid Fuel Rocket weighs 68 t empty. However, the weight of the shuttle is affected by the amount of fuel at liftoff and other factors.
Space Shuttle Fuel Tank Width
A space shuttle fuel tank: This external fuel tank is approximately 47.2 meters long and approximately 8.4 meters wide. It is a massive structure where the shuttle's primary liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen fuels are stored, and is quite large in both length and diameter.
What is the Space Shuttle Speed?
After separation of the solid rocket booster, the space shuttle accelerates from approximately 4,800 km/h to 27,358 km/h and maintains this speed throughout orbit. Returning to Earth, the spacecraft enters the atmosphere at approximately 28,160 km/h. After being slowed by atmospheric friction, the parachutes and landing gear deploy for landing. During the final landing, the speed at touchdown on the runway is approximately 320-350 km/h.
Is the Space Shuttle Manned?
Yes, the Space Shuttle is manned and was designed to be manned. It includes a cockpit, life support systems, and safety equipment for the crew. Because these vehicles were used in the Space Shuttle Program, they are not unmanned. However, other spacecraft and cargo vehicles used in place of the Space Shuttle (such as Dragon and Cygnus) are unmanned.
Space Shuttles and Events Etched in History
As mentioned earlier, NASA has built six significant space shuttles to date. While some have performed their missions quite successfully, others haven't been without their fair share of luck. Let's take a look at what happened to these spacecraft one by one.
Space Shuttle Enterprise
Enterprise, NASA's first space shuttle prototype, was built in 1976. While it did not go into space, it was used for takeoff and landing tests. Its mission was to test the aerodynamics and landing systems of real space shuttles. Enterprise became a cornerstone of NASA's space shuttle program.
Space Shuttle Columbia
Columbia, NASA's first true space shuttle, made its maiden flight in 1981. It participated in numerous successful missions and was a pioneer of the space shuttle program. Tragically, it disintegrated during its return in 2003, killing seven astronauts. The Columbia space shuttle accident left a profound mark on human space history.
Challenger Space Shuttle
Challenger made its maiden flight in 1983 and played a significant role in its missions. However, the entire crew lost their lives in a tragic accident shortly after liftoff in 1986. The Challenger space shuttle disaster was a major shock to NASA and the world, and prompted a reexamination of the space program's safety procedures.
Space Shuttle Discovery
Discovery was the third space shuttle, launched in 1984. Over the years, it has served on many critical missions and completed more than 39 successful flights. Discovery led maintenance of the Hubble Space Telescope and other important scientific missions, and has become one of NASA's most reliable shuttles.
Space Shuttle Atlantis
Atlantis made its maiden flight in 1985 and played a critical role, particularly in transporting supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). It also made history as the final shuttle flight of the space shuttle program. Atlantis has become an indispensable tool in NASA's space exploration.
Space Shuttle Endeavour
Endeavour, the backup shuttle built after the Challenger space shuttle disaster, made its maiden flight in 1992. It was actively used in space station construction and scientific missions. One of NASA's youngest shuttles, Endeavour incorporated many technological and safety innovations.
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