04. What are the overall dimensions of a NASA Space Shuttle? (A K2S Question)

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The NASA Space Shuttle is made up of four main parts: the orbiter, the external tank, and the two solid rocket boosters. As prepared for launch, the total assembly is 184.2 feet high, 76.6 feet from the belly of the external tank to the top of the orbiter vertical stabilizer, and 78.1 feet from orbiter wing tip-to-wing tip. (Ref.1) Measurements of the individual parts are: Orbiter: 122.2 feet long; 78.1 feet wingspan; 56.7 feet high sitting on its wheels on the runway . External tank: 154.2 feet long; 27.5 feet in diameter Solid rocket booster: 149.2 feet long; 12.2 feet in diameter

REFERENCES 1.NASA, National Space Transportation System Reference, Volume 1 Systems and Facilities, June 1988. This document is available on the Internet at: http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/technology/sts-newsref/stsreftoc. html#sts-umbilical-doors

Answer provided by Jon H. Brown


Image:K2S logosmall.jpg Question and Answer extracted from the book Kids to Space - by Lonnie Schorer


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