Space Shuttle

What is a space shuttle?

The space shuttle was a re-usable space vehicle used for space missions. It consisted of two rocket boosters, an external fuel tank and an orbiter that looked like an airplane. It was retired from service in 2011.

How was a space shuttle launched?

It took off vertically, just like a rocket. The two rocket boosters and external fuel tank powered the orbiter. Two minutes after take-off, the rockets separated. The fuel from the tank was fed into the orbiter’s engine, after which it split and the orbiter continued its journey. The orbiter was programmed to land like an aircraft on its return to Earth.

When was the first space shuttle built?

Enterprise, the first space shuttle was built in 1977 by the U.S and was used as a test vehicle.

Which was the first space shuttle mission?

Columbia, also built by the U.S., was the first space shuttle mission. It took off on April 12, 1981 with astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen and returned two days later. During its two-day mission the orbiter’s functions and safety were tested. However Columbia crashed during its re-entry on 1 February, 2003 during its 28th mission.

Who was the first Indian woman to go to space?

Kalpana Chawla, who flew aboard space shuttle Columbia in its final mission. She was the second Indian to venture into space.