NASA studied this concept for a fully reusable launch vehicle during the design studies of 1969-1971. In this three-part or triamese design, the orbiter was sandwiched between two piloted boosters. Each booster had nine engines and the orbiter had three. All engines would ignite for launch, and the two boosters would separate at some point during ascent and return to land while the orbiter continued to space. Each craft had retractable wings and turbofan engines for return flight. All three craft burned liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants. NASA transferred a variety of concept models to the Museum after settling on the final Space Shuttle design.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

MODELS-Crewed Spacecraft & Parts

Manufacturer

General Dynamics Corp.

Dimensions

3-D: 21 × 12 × 6cm (8 1/4 × 4 3/4 × 2 3/8 in.)

Materials

Plastic, resin, brass, rubber, paint, fiberboard, cork, felt, decal

Inventory Number

A19740727000

Credit Line

Transferred from National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.