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Saturn-Shuttle
Concept of launching the Space Shuttle orbiter using the Saturn V rocket
Concept of launching the Space Shuttle orbiter using the Saturn V rocket
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| image | Saturn-Shuttle model at Udvar-Hazy Center.jpg |
| caption | NASA model of Saturn-Shuttle configuration |
| name | Saturn-Shuttle |
| country-origin | United States |
| function | Crewed LEO launch vehicle |
| manufacturer | Boeing (S-IC) |
| Martin Marietta (External Tank) | |
| Rockwell International (Space Shuttle orbiter) | |
| height | 281 ft |
| diameter | 33 ft |
| mass | 5070000 lb |
| stages | 2 |
| location | LEO |
| kilos | 133400 lb |
| status | Canceled |
| sites | Kennedy LC-39 |
| type | stage |
| stageno | First |
| name | S-IC |
| length | 137.99 ft |
| diameter | 33 ft |
| empty | 298104 lb |
| gross | 5040245 lb |
| engines | 5 Rocketdyne F-1 |
| thrust | 8700816 lbf |
| burntime | 161 s |
| SI | 304 isp |
| fuel | RP-1/LOX |
| type | stage |
| stageno | Second |
| name | External Tank |
| length | 153.8 ft |
| diameter | 27.5 ft |
| empty | 65980 lb |
| gross | 1655616 lb |
| SI | 455 isp |
| burntime | 480 s |
| fuel | LH2 / LOX |
| type | stage |
| stageno | Second |
| name | Orbiter plus External Tank |
| engines | 3 SSMEs located on Orbiter |
| thrust | 5250 kN |
| SI | 455 isp |
| burntime | 480 s |
| fuel | LH2 / LOX |
|country-origin = United States Martin Marietta (External Tank) Rockwell International (Space Shuttle orbiter)
The Saturn-Shuttle was a preliminary concept of launching the Space Shuttle orbiter using a modified version of the first stage of the Saturn V rocket. It was studied and considered in 1971–1972.
Description
An interstage would be fitted on top of the S-IC stage to support the external tank in the space occupied by the S-II stage in the Saturn V. It was an alternative to the SRBs.
Some studies proposed the addition of wings (and some form of landing gear) to the S-IC stage, which would allow the booster to fly back to the Kennedy Space Center, where technicians would then refurbish the booster for another flight, whether in its entirety or just the tankage.
The Shuttle would handle space station logistics, while the Saturn V would launch components. This would have allowed the International Space Station, using a Skylab or Mir configuration with both U.S. and Russian docking ports, to have been lifted with just a handful of launches. However, it was ultimately rejected on basis of cost.
References
References
- "Saturn Shuttle".
- (June 15, 2001). "Phase B' Shuttle contractor studies 1971".
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