Types of Spacecraft

In one of the previous sections, we saw the construction and working of different parts of space shuttle. The different stages involved in ascent and descent of space shuttle.

Now here in this section we are going to classify the different types of spacecraft on the basis of their application.

But first let me tell you that there is only one basic difference between shuttle and spacecraft- spacecrafts could be manned or unmanned whereas shuttles are always manned.

The different types of spacecrafts classified on basis of application are:

•  Flyby spacecraft

•  Orbiter spacecraft

•  Atmospheric spacecraft

•  Lander spacecraft

•  Penetrator spacecraft

•  Rover spacecraft

•  Observatory spacecraft

•  Communication spacecraft

Let us now see each of the above listed spacecrafts in detail with an example.