NASA studied this Grumman/Boeing concept for a partially reusable space transportation system during the Shuttle research effort in 1969-1972. This two-stage system featured two piloted fly-back vehicles, a booster and an orbiter, both using liquid propellant. The orbiter was mounted on a large external tank above the booster. Powered by five F-1 engines, the booster would carry the orbiter to a set altitude, then detach to return to base. After separation, the orbiter's engines, fed from the tank, would ignite for final ascent into orbit. Moving all the orbiter's propellants into a disposable external tank made the orbiter smaller and lighter-weight. 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
Grumman Aerospace Corporation
Dimensions
3-D: 48.3 × 21.5 × 13cm (19 × 8 7/16 × 5 1/8 in.)
Overall (Booster): 11in. x 8 1/4in. (27.94 x 20.96cm)
Overall (Orbiter): 7 1/4in. x 4 1/2in. (18.42 x 11.43cm)
Materials
Wood, adhesive decal, paint, brass
Inventory Number
A19740733000
Credit Line
Transferred from National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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