Interesting Facts About The Shuttle

The space shuttle was the first reusable space craft made by man. It is 37.24 meters long and looks like an airplane. The shuttle (also called an Orbiter), can carry tons of cargo into space in its large cargo bay. The shuttle also has experiments done in it. It is possible to buy a space about the size of a shoebox on the space shuttle to expose something to space conditions for about $3,000. Also it is sometimes possible to buy a ticket on the shuttle for about $70,000!

The Sections

The space shuttle is divided up into 3 sections. The forward flight section is quite roomy and comfortable and is where the crew and passengers would be located. There are 2 levels in the flight section. The top level contains the crew seating and controls. It is where the crew sits during takeoff. The lower level houses any passengers that may be aboard the shuttle. There are also seats that can be used to seat rescued personnel. (Let’s hope they never have to be used!) The lower level also contains the living quarters for the crew and any passengers. There is also a food preparation area, food serving area, and bathrooms. There is also trash and waste storage in the flight section.

The Cargo Bay

The middle is the cargo bay. It is where all the cargo is stored on the mission, and where it is launched. The cargo bay is18 meters long and 5 meters wide. The space shuttle can carry 29,484 kilograms of weight into space. On some missions the space shuttle is equipped with a robotic arm for pickup and launching of a payload. The Shuttle has taken satellites, pieces of space stations, and a laboratory called Space Lab into space.

The Engines

The rear of the shuttle contains the engines and fuel. The engines that maneuver the shuttle through space are relatively small, compared to the ones that propel it into space. They are the Solid Rocket Booster (or SRB), and he main tank. The main tank supplies fuel to the SRB and the SRB uses it to propel the shuttle into space.

Over the years the shuttle has proved very successful, and should be for many years to come.

Click on the link below to see a video of the Space Shuttle Endeavor launching.

STS-89 Endeavor Shuttle Launch (side view clearing tower) (STS-89 - 01-22-98)