01 Prelaunch tanking
Load ET cryogens; close out crew after leak checks and weather go.
Scores are relative 0–100 marks within this atlas. Use them to browse, not as an engineering spec.
SpeedPractical top speed relative to the other forty-eight types in this atlas.
95
EfficiencyEnergy used per useful trip, relative across the atlas.
28
AccessibilityHow easily an ordinary person can use this mode without special training or wealth.
5
SafetyHow safe the mode is per trip, given normal operation and current regulation.
48
Cultural impactHow deeply this mode has shaped language, status and everyday imagination.
94
Tech disruptionHow much this mode is being rewritten by new technology right now.
80
Last reviewed Sources & creditsMedia creditsMethodology
Quick answers
Which local authority or corridor rules matter for this type?
Start with the local lens: type approval, operator licences and the hubs named on this page — not a single global checklist.
Is this a buying guide?
No. Tool-Lifes /vehicles is an educational atlas. It explains history, systems and culture without affiliate rankings.
Are the scores official?
No. The six scores are relative editorial 0–100 marks across the 40 types on this site.
Where do the photos come from?
Lead images resolve from Wikimedia Commons via Wikipedia titles on the English masters, with licences recorded on the credits page.
Why metric units?
Metric is the default. Regional notes (US customary, local brand culture) appear in culture and market chapters.
How is this different from a wiki article?
Each type gets seven fixed-depth chapters, comparable scores and cross-type labs — structured for browsing, not a single freeform page.
Operating a Space Shuttle is a closed loop: sense, decide, actuate, and stay inside certified envelopes.
Principles and steps here are physics-first; brand procedures differ, but the envelopes are shared.
Principles
Crossrange capability
Winged orbiter can steer to wide runway corridor versus capsule drift down.
Ascent energy margin
SSME throttling and SRB profile must satisfy abort modes at each second.
On-orbit thermal
Bay doors open radiate heat; closed doors limit payload ops duration.
Glide L/D
Unpowered orbiter is heavy glider—single approach without go-around energy.
Turnaround cost
Tile inspection and SRB refurbishment drove economics versus expendables.
Diagrams
Ascent stack sequence
SSME startignite
SRB thrustlift
SRB sepshed
ET feedburn
MECOcutoff
OMSorbit
Reentry energy mgmt
Entry interfaceheat
S-turnsrange
HACalign
Finalglide
Touchdownland
Operating steps
02 SSME start & liftoff
Main engines to 100% before SRB ignition; roll program clears tower.
03 MECO & ET jettison
Main engine cutoff; sep tank; OMS burns circularize or chase ISS.
04 On-orbit ops
Payload deploy or RMS tasks; tile survey if debris strike suspected.
05 Deorbit burn
OMS retrofire sets entry interface over planned runway cone.
06 Landing & safing
Energy management to HAC; deploy gear on commander call; crew egress after stop.
Hard limits
Runway requirement
Long paved runway with approach aids—no water or grass landing option.
Crew complement
Up to seven with full suits constrained consumables and escape paths.
Program retirement
Fleet retired 2011; lessons inform Artemis and commercial crew capsules.