Much more than a launch vehicle, it not only delivers cargoes to space, but can return them to Earth. Its versatile design lets it take off like a rocket, fly in Earth's atmosphere and gravity like an airplane, and behave in space like a spacecraft, guided by reaction thrusters. For example, after the multi-million dollar Solar Maximum satellite failed to operate properly in space, Shuttle crew members repaired it in orbit and returned it to full operation.
Crew members have an array of sophisticated computers and machinery at their fingertips.
The modular form of Spacelab allows it to fly in many configurations to meet different needs. Rockets attached to space vehicles launched from the Shuttle's cargo bay propel payloads into higher orbits or toward their missions in deeper space. The Space Shuttle will play a major role in shaping the U.S. space efforts for the rest of this century. Many lessons have been learned since that first 12-second flight at Kitty Hawk more than 80 years ago. On a typical 7-day mission, the Shuttle lets scientists reach beyond the planet's surface to perform regular studies and observations, learning important lessons that will benefit their disciplines.