Upgrading the Space Shuttle.

Abstract

The space shuttle is a unique national resource. One of only two operating vehicles that carries humans into space, the space shuttle functions as a scientific laboratory and as a base for construction, repair, and salvage missions in low Earth orbit. It is also a heavy-lift launch vehicle (able to deliver more than 18,000 kg of payload to low Earth orbit) and the only current means of returning large payloads to Earth. Designed in the 1970s, the shuttle has frequently been upgraded to improve safety, cut operational costs, and add capability. Additional upgrades have been proposed and some are under way-to combat obsolescence, further reduce operational costs, improve safety, and increase the ability of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to support the space station and other missions.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1999
Accession Number
ADA361849

Entities

Organizations

  • National Research Council

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Astronautics
  • Auxiliary Power Units
  • Birds
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Earth Orbits
  • Engineers
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Risk
  • Risk Analysis
  • Rocket Engines
  • Space Systems
  • Space Transportation
  • Spacecraft

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites