Timeline of Space Shuttle Orbiters - Shuttle Orbiter Specifications (OV-105)

Shuttle Orbiter Specifications (OV-105)

General characteristics

  • Crew: 6-8
  • Length: 122 ft 2 in (37.24 m)
  • Wingspan: 78 ft 6 in (23.79 m)
  • Height: 58.58 ft (17.25 m)
  • Empty weight: 151,205 lb (68,585kg)
  • Useful load: 55,250 lb (25,060 kg)
  • Max. takeoff weight: 240,000 lb (109,000 kg)
  • Powerplant: 3 × Rocketdyne Block 2-A SSME liquid fueled rockets, 393,800 lbf (1.75 MN) each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 17,321 mph (27,875 km/h)
  • Service ceiling: 100-520 nautical miles (190-960km)

The orbiter's maximum glide ratio/lift-to-drag ratio varied considerably with speed, ranging from 1:1 at hypersonic speeds, 2:1 at supersonic speeds, and reaching 4.5:1 at subsonic speeds during approach and landing.

Read more about this topic:  Timeline Of Space Shuttle Orbiters

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