Developed by the U.S. space agency NASA the Space Shuttle is the only
re-usable Space Transportation System in the world. The main components
are the Space Shuttle (Orbiter) with three re-usable main engines, an
external fuel tank and two solid fuel rockets with a total take-off
thrust of 12.46 MN (1,270,566 kp). The Space Shuttle can convey a 24.5
ton payload as well as 7 astronauts into a Low Earth Orbit of between
200 and 650 kilometres. The fourth Space Shuttle Atlantis has
completed 35 missions since the 3rd October 1985. In 2012 the shuttle
program was discontinued after a period 30 years.
