Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

NASA studied this General Dynamics/Convair concept for a fully reusable space transportation system early in the Shuttle research effort of 1969-1972. This two-stage system featured three piloted fly-back vehicles, an orbiter sandwiched between two boosters, all using liquid propellants. All would ignite together for lift-off, and the boosters would detach and fly to land when their fuel was consumed while the orbiter continued on to space. All three vehicles had snap-out wings and jet engines for return flight. NASA transferred a variety of concept models to the Museum after settling on the final Space Shuttle design.

 Display Status

This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

James S. McDonnell Space Hangar
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type MODELS-Crewed Spacecraft & Parts Manufacturer General Dynamics Corp., Convair Division
 Dimensions Overall: 10in. x 6 1/4in. x 11in. (25.4 x 15.9 x 27.9cm)
 Materials Overall - Plastic, with cork and felt pads on base
 Inventory Number A19800232000 Credit Line Transfer from NASA Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.