How do you explain space shuttle to kids?
A partially reusable rocket-launched vehicle, a space shuttle is designed to go into orbit around Earth, to transport people and cargo to and from orbiting spacecraft, and to glide to a runway landing on its return to Earth’s surface.
What is the space shuttle history?
Between the first launch on April 12, 1981, and the final landing on July 21, 2011, NASA’s space shuttle fleet — Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour — flew 135 missions, helped construct the International Space Station and inspired generations.
Who designed the space shuttle?
In 1971, North American Rockwell and McDonnell Douglas were granted production contracts. From that point on, development of the Space Shuttle became extremely complicated, with the future of the vehicle often in doubt from one year to the next.
What was the purpose of designing the space shuttles?
The primary intended use of the Space Shuttle was supporting the future space station, ferrying a minimum crew of four and about 20,000 pounds (9,100 kg) of cargo, and able to be rapidly turned around for future flights.
How are space shuttles made?
The space shuttle is made up of four parts: an orbiter (the shuttle itself), two solid rocket boosters (both reusable) and one external fuel tank (which is not reusable). This space craft is launched in an upright position attached to the 2 solid rocket boosters and the external fuel tank.
What are some interesting facts about the space shuttle?
Top 10 Facts About Space Shuttles!
- The space shuttle was the first reusable spacecraft.
- It was first launched in 1981!
- In 2011 the space shuttle was retired by NASA.
- NASA has launched a total of 6 space shuttles.
- Space shuttles take off like a rocket and land like a plane!
- There were a total of 135 missions.
What are the 3 main parts of the space shuttle?
The space shuttle was made of three main parts: the orbiter, the external tank and the solid rocket boosters. The orbiter was the part that looked like an airplane.
How long did it take to build a space shuttle?
This depends on the kind of rocket. Will it carry people or not? A ‘simple’ rocket, like the falcon 9 from SpaceX, may take 18 months to make, but one that can take people into outer space, like the shuttle, can take 5 years to make, start to finish.
How is space shuttle made?
The space shuttle was made of three main parts: the orbiter, the external tank and the solid rocket boosters. The orbiter was the part that looked like an airplane. The orbiter flew around Earth. The astronauts rode and lived in this part.
Who built the first space shuttle?
Rockwell International
Shuttle History Each space shuttle is named after influential ships of science and exploration. All were built in Palmdale, Calif., by Rockwell International. Enterprise was the first space shuttle, although it never flew in space.
What is a shuttle made out of?
They are made up of what is called a porous silicon material that is very light and extremely heat resistant. There are two main types of tiles, one a black-coated tile called HRSI for High-Temperature Reusable Surface Insulation tile. These tiles can withstand up to 2,300 degrees F (1,260 degrees C).
How many space shuttle were built?
Six space shuttles
Six space shuttles were built, but only five ever flew in space. Enterprise: The first space shuttle never launched, but was used for atmospheric flight tests after being released from the back of a Boeing 747.
What is a space shuttle made of?
They are made up of what is called a porous silicon material that is very light and extremely heat resistant.
What was the first space shuttle called?
Space Shuttle Columbia
A new era in space flight began on April 12, 1981, when Space Shuttle Columbia, or STS-1, soared into orbit from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
What was used to build the space shuttle?
Titanium is lighter than steel, but heavier than aluminum. Aluminum is a proven, strong, lightweight material for building an airframe like the shuttle orbiter. The silica-based, reusable thermal insulation invented for use on the orbiter protected the craft’s aluminum structure from reentry temperatures.
What materials are used to make space shuttle?
What is space shuttle made up of?
How is a space shuttle made?
How thick is a space shuttle?
They are 1.5 cm of thickness and are covered with an anti-IR layer. The two centrals portholes are thicker (3.2 cm) and made of silica. The one on the top are less thick (1.1 cm) and the one on the rear wall are 0.7 cm thick.
Why are space shuttle tiles black?
The tiles exposed to reentry temperatures of up to 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit, such as those on portions of the belly, are given a protective coating of black glass. Black tiles work by reflecting about 90 percent of the heat they’re exposed to back into the atmosphere, while the tiles’ interior absorbs the rest.
What is space shuttle made of?
Why are shuttle tiles black?
What were the 4 space shuttles?
Between 1981 and 1985 a fleet of four orbiters—Columbia (the first to fly in space), Challenger, Discovery, and Atlantis—was put into service.
Why are space shuttles white?
The first two shuttle flights, STS-1 and STS-2, in 1981, featured tanks painted white to protect the shuttle from ultraviolet light while sitting on the launch pad.
How space shuttle is constructed?
Basic Structure
The space shuttle is made up of four parts: an orbiter (the shuttle itself), two solid rocket boosters (both reusable) and one external fuel tank (which is not reusable). This space craft is launched in an upright position attached to the 2 solid rocket boosters and the external fuel tank.