An improved Space Shuttle with variable internal volume is provided. The Space Shuttle Orbiter includes a telescoping main propulsion unit. This main propulsion unit contains the main rocket engines and fuel tanks and telescopes into the Space Shuttle. A variable cavity is located between this unit and the crew compartment. Accordingly, the positioning of the telescoping main propulsion unit determines the volume of the variable cavity. Thus, the volume of the variable length of the entire Space Shuttle may be increased or decreased to achieve desired configurations for optimal storage. In one embodiment of the invention, the payload also telescopes within the variable cavity.
Shuttle orbiter with telescoping main propulsion unit and payload
1993-03-02
Miscellaneous
No indication
English
Payload retention latches for the shuttle orbiter
NTRS | 1981
|Space Shuttle Orbiter payload bay door mechanisms
NTRS | 1979
|