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Space Shuttle

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Secondary Information

Definition

A space shuttle is a reusable spacecraft that was used to carry people and cargo into space from 1981 to 2011. It was launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

The space shuttle was made up of three parts: the orbiter, the external tank, and the solid rocket boosters. The orbiter was the part of the shuttle that carried the astronauts and cargo into space. It was powered by three main engines and a pair of manoeuvring thrusters. The external tank held the fuel for the orbiter's engines. It was jettisoned after the shuttle reached orbit. The solid rocket boosters provided the initial thrust to get the shuttle into orbit. They were jettisoned after two minutes of flight.

The space shuttle was a versatile spacecraft that could be used for a variety of missions, including:

  • Spacewalks
  • Satellite deployment and retrieval
  • Space telescopes
  • Construction of the International Space Station

The space shuttle was a major technological achievement and helped to advance space exploration. It was also a very expensive program, and it was retired in 2011 due to budget constraints.

How can the word be used?

The space shuttle program was a success, with over 130 missions being flown.

Space Shuttle

Different forms of the word

Noun: A reusable spacecraft designed to transport people and cargo between Earth and space.

Verb: To travel in a space shuttle.

Etymology

The etymology of the word "space shuttle" can be traced back to the words "space" and "shuttle". The word "space" refers to the area beyond the Earth's atmosphere, while the word "shuttle" refers to a vehicle that moves back and forth between two places.

The word "space shuttle" first appeared in the early 1970s, when NASA was developing the Space Shuttle program. The program was designed to create a reusable spacecraft that could be used to transport people and cargo into space.

Question

What is a space shuttle?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the purpose and key components of the Space Shuttle, highlighting its role in human space exploration and scientific research.

Answer:

The Space Shuttle, a groundbreaking spacecraft developed by NASA, played a pivotal role in human space exploration and scientific research. Comprising several integral components, the Space Shuttle aimed to transport astronauts and payloads to low Earth orbit (LEO), conduct experiments in microgravity, and deploy satellites.

Key components of the Space Shuttle included the Orbiter, which housed the crew and payloads, the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) that provided initial thrust, and the External Tank (ET) that stored propellants for the main engines. The Orbiter's cargo bay allowed for the deployment of satellites and scientific instruments, fostering diverse research opportunities in space.

The Space Shuttle conducted vital missions, such as deploying the Hubble Space Telescope, conducting experiments in materials science and biology, and contributing to the construction of the International Space Station (ISS). Its ability to return to Earth allowed for the retrieval of experiments, distinguishing it from earlier spacecraft.

Despite its achievements, the Space Shuttle program faced challenges and was retired in 2011. However, its legacy endures through advancements in space technology and the knowledge gained from its missions. The Space Shuttle remains an emblem of human ingenuity, cooperation, and our ongoing quest to explore the cosmos.