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SHUTTLE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

In the post-Apollo era, the Space Shuttle was intended to make access to space "routine" and less expensive. To meet these goals, it had to be reusable and economical to develop and operate. Thus, the Shuttle was shaped not only by engineering considerations but also by pressure from the White House and Congress to control its cost.

Shuttle launch
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NASA#: 95-HC-687

AN ALLY FOR THE SHUTTLE

Because the Department of Defense was interested in using the Shuttle to launch reconnaissance and other military satellites, military requirements also influenced the Shuttle's design. A delta wing was chosen for maneuverability, and the size of the payload bay was increased to ensure that it could hold the largest planned military payloads.

Department of Defense Logo
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THE CHANGING SHAPE OF THE SHUTTLE

During the early 1970s, various Space Shuttle designs were proposed and rejected until an acceptable balance between function and cost was reached.

NASA's concept in 1969 was a reusable manned booster and orbiter, but development costs were too high. In mid-1971, North American Rockwell proposed a fully reusable shuttle, like this model, but operating costs were considered too high.

model: Rockwell concep
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SI#: 97-16270-8

To cut costs, NASA abandoned the fully reusable Shuttle design in favor of one that was partially reusable. Several designs were considered, including this Grumman Aerospace concept for a vehicle with stages that used the Apollo-era Saturn F-1 engine.
model: Grumman concept
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SI#: 97-16270-8

In early 1972, NASA decided on a partially reusable Space Shuttle proposed by North American Rockwell. It included a reusable manned orbiter, two reusable solid-propellant booster rockets, an expendable fuel tank, and an enlarged cargo bay. President Richard Nixon approved the new Space Shuttle design.
model, final design
68 k jpeg
SI#: 97-16270-8


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