Space shuttle

Space shuttle

A reusable launch and orbital spacecraft developed by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for manned spaceflight missions.

Industry: Aerospace

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Space shuttle

orbital mechanics

Aerospace; Space shuttle

The study of the motions of artificial satellites and space vehicles moving under the influence of forces such as gravity, drag, and thrust. Also called flight mechanics.

orbiter spacecraft

Aerospace; Space shuttle

A spacecraft designed to travel to a distant planet or moon and enter orbit. It must carry a substantial propulsive capability to decelerate it at the right moment to achieve orbit insertion.

orbital velocity

Aerospace; Space shuttle

The velocity necessary to overcome the gravitational attraction of the Earth and so keep a satellite in orbit, about 17,450 mph (28,080 km/hr) close to the Earth.

space taxi

Aerospace; Space shuttle

The White House is requesting a $17.5 billion budget for the U.S. space agency in the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. That marks a 1 percent decrease from NASA's 2014 budget. But NASA could also ...

The Space Shuttle Challenger was destroyed 73 seconds after takeoff due on January 28, 1986 due to a faulty O-ring. It failed to seal one of the joints, allowing pressurized gas to reach the outside. ...

Space Shuttle Columbia

Aerospace; Space shuttle

The Space Shuttle Columbia was the first space worthy shuttle in NASA's orbital fleet. It was destroyed during re-entry over Texas on February 1, 2003 after a hole was punctured in one of the ...