Saturn-Shuttle
concept of launching the Space Shuttle orbiter using the Saturn V rocket | |
![]() NASA model of Saturn-Shuttle configuration | |
Has use | Manned LEO launch vehicle |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Boeing (S-IC) Martin Marietta (External Tank) Rockwell International (Space Shuttle orbiter) |
Country of origin | United States |
Size | |
Height | 86 m (281 ft)[1] |
Diameter | 10 m (33 ft)[1] |
Mass | 2,300,000 kg (5,070,000 lb)[1] |
Stages | 2 |
Capacity | |
Payload to LEO | |
Mass | 60,500 kg (133,400 lb)[1] |
Launch history | |
Status | Canceled |
Launch sites | Kennedy LC-39 |
First stage – S-IC | |
Height | 137.99 ft (42.06 m)[1] |
Diameter | 33 ft (10 m)[1] |
Empty mass | 298,104 lb (135,218 kg)[1] |
Gross mass | 5,040,245 lb (2,286,217 kg)[1] |
Powered by | 5 Rocketdyne F-1[1] |
Maximum thrust | 8,700,816 lbf (38,703.16 kN)[1] |
Specific impulse | 304 seconds (2.98 km/s)[1] |
Burn time | 161 s[1] |
Propellant | RP-1/LOX[1] |
Second stage – External Tank | |
Height | 153.8 ft (46.9 m)[1] |
Diameter | 27.5 ft (8.4 m)[1] |
Empty mass | 65,980 lb (29,930 kg)[1] |
Gross mass | 1,655,616 lb (750,975 kg)[1] |
Specific impulse | 455 seconds (4.46 km/s)[1] |
Burn time | 480 s[1] |
Propellant | LH2 / LOX[1] |
Second stage – Orbiter plus External Tank | |
Powered by | 3 SSMEs located on Orbiter[1] |
Maximum thrust | 5,250 kN (1,180,000 lbf)[1] |
Specific impulse | 455 seconds (4.46 km/s)[1] |
Burn time | 480 s[1] |
Propellant | LH2 / LOX[1] |
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.[1] It was studied and considered in 1971-1972.[2]
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.[1]
The addition of wings (and some form of landing gear) on the S-IC stage would allow the booster to fly back to the Kennedy Space Center, where technicians would then refurbish the booster (by replacing only the five F-1 engines and reusing the tanks and other hardware for later flights).[1]
The Shuttle would handle space station logistics, while Saturn V would launch components.
This would have allowed a space station, using a Skylab or Mir configuration with docking ports, to have been lifted with just a handful of launches. The Saturn-Shuttle concept also would have eliminated the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters that ultimately precipitated the Space Shuttle Challenger accident in 1986.
See also[]
- Buran programme
- Boeing X-20 Dyna-Soar
- X-37
- Dream Chaser
- List of launch vehicle designs
External links[]
- "Shuttle". www.astronautix.com.
- Saturn Shuttle with Flyback Booster, video rendering by Hazegrayart
References[]
Further reading[]
- Phase B' Shuttle contractor studies 1971 - describes and shows some of the S-1C based proposals.
- Phase B' Shuttle cost tradeoffs 1971 - shows HO BRB and S-1C derived HO flyback options.
- Apollo program
- Space Shuttle program
- Saturn (rocket family)
- Cancelled space launch vehicles