Space shuttles are reusable spacecraft that were used by NASA to transport astronauts and cargo to and from Earth orbit. The shuttles were launched into space using a powerful rocket, and then glided back to Earth like an airplane for landing.

Space shuttles were developed in the 1970s and 1980s, and they flew a total of 135 missions before being retired in 2011. During their time in service, the shuttles transported over 1,000 astronauts into space and deployed a variety of satellites and other payloads.

How Space Shuttles Work

Space shuttles are complex vehicles, but they can be boiled down to three main components:

* The orbiter: The orbiter is the living and working quarters for the astronauts. It is also where the payload is stored. The orbiter is made up of three sections: the forward section, the mid-deck, and the aft section.

* The external tank: The external tank holds the fuel for the shuttle's main engines. It is jettisoned shortly after launch.

* The solid rocket boosters: The solid rocket boosters provide additional thrust during launch. They are jettisoned about two minutes after launch.

Launch and Ascent

A space shuttle launch is a complex and dangerous operation. The launch begins with the ignition of the shuttle's main engines. These engines produce over 1 million pounds of thrust, which is enough to lift the shuttle off the ground.

As the shuttle ascends, the external tank and the solid rocket boosters continue to burn. The external tank is jettisoned about 8 minutes after launch, and the solid rocket boosters are jettisoned about 2 minutes later.

Once the external tank and the solid rocket boosters have been jettisoned, the shuttle is in orbit. The shuttle's main engines are then turned off, and the shuttle coasts to its destination.

Orbit and Maneuvering

Once in orbit, the shuttle can maneuver using its thrusters. These thrusters are small rockets that can be used to change the shuttle's attitude, position, and velocity.

The shuttle can also use its Canadarm, a robotic arm, to grapple satellites and other payloads. The Canadarm can also be used to perform repairs on satellites and other spacecraft.

Re-entry and Landing

When it is time to return to Earth, the shuttle's main engines are ignited again. These engines slow the shuttle down, and it begins to descend towards Earth.

As the shuttle enters the Earth's atmosphere, it experiences a lot of heat and friction. This heat and friction cause the shuttle's exterior to glow and its paint to peel off.

The shuttle eventually slows down enough to glide back to Earth like an airplane. The shuttle lands on a runway at a designated landing site.

Space Shuttles: A Legacy of Success

The space shuttle program was a tremendous success. The shuttles transported over 1,000 astronauts into space and deployed a variety of satellites and other payloads. The shuttles also helped to build the International Space Station (ISS).

The space shuttle program ended in 2011, but its legacy will live on for many years to come. The shuttles were a major part of the United States' space program, and they helped to make the United States a leader in space exploration.