The Evolution of the Space Shuttle Design

Article

“The Evolution of the Space Shuttle Design” by Joseph P. Loftus Jr. Stephen M. Andrich M.G. Goodhart R.C. Kennedy
Published in Quest Volume: 29 #4 (2022)

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to summarize the basic requirements and the technology and design issues that dictated the configuration of the present Space Shuttle system. The emphasis is on the technology challenges and opportunities that led to the selection of the basic configuration currently used by the National Space Transportation System.

It was provided as part of the STS 51-L Data and Design Analysis effort and, in particular, is to provide a basic background as to the rationale for the selection of the external tank, thrust augmented fully reusable Orbiter configuration. This material was presented as a briefing to the Production and Development Panel of the Presidential Commission on 6 March 1986.

Citation

Loftus Jr., Joseph P., Andrich, Stephen M., Goodhart, M.G., and Kennedy, R.C. “The Evolution of the Space Shuttle Design” Quest: The History of Spaceflight Quarterly 29, no. 4 (2022): 3-15.