Model, Space Shuttle, North American Rockwell Partially Reusable Concept, 1:200
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This concept for a partially reusable space transportation system emerged near the end of the Shuttle research effort in 1971-1972. It featured a piloted orbiter with a disposable external fuel tank attached to two liquid propellant booster rockets. In this stage-and-a-half system all engines (four per booster and four on the orbiter) would ignite for lift-off. After the boosters burned out and were jettisoned, the orbiter, fed from the disposable tank, would continue into orbit. The final Shuttle concept was quite similar to this but had two reusable solid-propellant boosters and only three orbiter engines. NASA transferred a variety of concept models to the Museum after settling on the final Space Shuttle design.
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MODELS-Crewed Spacecraft & Parts
Manufacturer
North American Rockwell Dimensions
Overall (model on stand): 13in. x 10in. x 10in. (33 x 25.4 x 25.4cm)
Model: 11in. x 4 1/2in. x 5 in. (27.9 x 11.4 x 12.7cm) Materials
Wood model; wood stand with metallic-painted accents Inventory Number
A19760786000
Credit Line
Transferred from the 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.