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NASA studied this North American Rockwell original concept for a fully reusable space transportation system early in the Shuttle research effort in 1969-1972. This two-stage system featured two fly-back, straight-wing vehicles, a booster and an orbiter, both using liquid propellants stored internally. The large rocketplane would boost the orbiter to a set altitude, where the orbiter would detach and ignite its engines for the ascent into space. The winged booster was powered by multiple rocket engines for ascent plus retractable jet engines for returning and landing like an airplane. The orbiter, sized for two pilots and ten passengers on roundtrip flights to space, also had jet engines for descent to landing. NASA transferred a variety of concept models to the Museum after settling on the final Space Shuttle design.

Display Status

This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

James S. McDonnell Space Hangar
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type MODELS-Crewed Spacecraft & Parts Manufacturer North American Rockwell
Dimensions Overall (model): 2ft x 1ft 5in. x 7in. (60.96 x 43.18 x 17.78cm)
Overall (model on stand): 27in. x 17in. x 7 in. (68.58 x 43.18 x 17.78cm)
Materials Plastic, wood, metal, fabric
Inventory Number A19760841000 Credit Line Transferred from NASA Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.