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The Space Transportation System
The Space Transportation System is NASA's name for
the entire space shuttle program. The space shuttle first launched in
1981 (if you're 16 or under, it's been flying your whole lifetime!). The
shuttle was an innovation in space technology because it is reusable.
The purpose of the shuttle is to deliver payloads into Earth orbit and
to dock with satellites and the space station. When it returns to Earth,
the shuttle orbiter and the solid rocket boosters can be recycled for
another mission.
Related Web Pages
- There is a really good description of the different
parts of the Space Transportation System at the Liftoff Academy web
page.
- The complete reference manual on the Space Transportation
System will give you an in-depth explanation of the shuttle components
and their major subsystems. It is available online at The NASA Shuttle Web.
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