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.