The Space Shuttle Its Interdisciplinary Design and Construction

Abstract

Major astronautical endeavors like the Space Shuttle Program apply the current state of progress in engineering, technology and art, as well as today s sophisticated administrative, economic and pOlitical systems. This review discusses the scope of scientific and engineering disciplines involved in the design and construction of the Space Shuttle – the world's first reusable space transportation system — now approaching flight readiness. Some background material is presented describing early concepts that led to the Shuttle design — the evolution of rocketry and manned orbital vehicles. Next, Shuttle operations and capabilities are explained. Shuttle system development is used to illustrate how the diverse technological disciplines were integrated — a function that has been maturing over the year into the process of systems engineering. Some of the Shuttle's complex subsystems and challenging requirements are discussed in detail to exemplify the coordination of elements associated with systems engineering: aerodynamics, propulsion structural design, data processing and software, simulation exercises, crew training, verification testing and mission control. Future space programs are discussed, including concepts for extending Shuttle usage and capabilities, and some long-range ideas for exploiting the space frontier. (An alphabetic listing of acronyms used in this review is added as an appendix.)