• Source: Saturn-Shuttle

      • The Saturn-Shuttle was a preliminary concept of launching the Space Shuttle orbiter using a modified version of the first stage of the Saturn V rocket. It was studied and considered in 1971–1972.


      Description


      An interstage would be fitted on top of the S-IC stage to support the external tank in the space occupied by the S-II stage in the Saturn V. It was an alternative to the SRBs.
      The addition of wings (and some form of landing gear) on the S-IC stage would allow the booster to fly back to the Kennedy Space Center, where technicians would then refurbish the booster (by replacing only the five F-1 engines and reusing the tanks and other hardware for later flights).
      The Shuttle would handle space station logistics, while the Saturn V would launch components.
      This would have allowed the International Space Station, using a Skylab or Mir configuration with both U.S. and Russian docking ports, to have been lifted with just a handful of launches. The Saturn-Shuttle concept also would have eliminated the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters that ultimately precipitated the Space Shuttle Challenger accident in 1986.


      See also


      Buran programme
      Boeing X-20 Dyna-Soar
      X-37
      Dream Chaser
      List of launch vehicle designs


      References




      Further reading


      "Phase B' Shuttle contractor studies 1971". Archived from the original on January 27, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
      "Phase B' Shuttle cost tradeoffs 1971". Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.


      External links


      "Shuttle". www.astronautix.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2016.
      Saturn Shuttle with Flyback Booster, video rendering by Hazegrayart

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