Concepts
SDV concepts were proposed even before the Shuttle itself began flying. Proposed SDV concepts have included:
- Replacing the winged Space Shuttle Orbiter with an uncrewed, expendable cargo pod ("side-mount style" SDV)
- Removing the Orbiter and mounting an upper stage and payload atop the Space Shuttle external tank ("inline-style" SDV)
- Adding a large cargo container to the rear of the external tank, allowing launches of bulky materials (Aft Cargo Carrier)
- Replacing the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) with liquid rockets, including recoverable winged "flyback" boosters
- Creating vehicles from one or more Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters, usually with some kind of an upper stage
- Removing the wings of an Orbiter at the end of its useful life, permanently attaching it to a Space Shuttle external tank, and launching the combination as a space station
Several such concepts are of particular note:
Read more about this topic: Shuttle-Derived Launch Vehicle
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