Space Shuttle - Now and later

Abstract

The Space Shuttle System consisting of four major elements, the orbiter, three main engines, an expendable external tank, and solid rocket boosters is examined. Dimensions, thrust and payload capacity are observed, noting cost reduction through recovery and subsequent reuse of some components. Return of the solid rocket boosters (SRB's) via parachute and recovery from the ocean for refurbishment is covered. Objectives for the first mission scheduled for November 1979 include achieving a 150 nautical mile orbit and carrying a payload consisting of development flight instrumentation (DFI), the induced environment contamination monitor (IECM), and the aerodynamic coefficients identification package (ACIP). A section devoted to performance enhancement, discusses weight reduction on the orbiter, external tanks and thrust augmentation through the use of strap on solid motors (SOSM).