Space Shuttle with Delivery System

This is a high definition, textured model of the Space Shuttle, which includes interior payload, and multiple texture variations. Also included is the complete delivery system which has the external fuel tank and SRB's (Solid Rocket Boosters).

   Two versions of the shuttle model are included, the mounted version shown with the delivery system does not include interior components and gear.

The cargo in the payload bay represents what was carried aboard STS-126. STS-126 was an Endeavour flight that flew in November 2008. It carried the International Space Station docking ring, the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, and the Lightweight MPESS Carrier. STS-126 docked with the ISS with the primary task of working on the station and transferring supplies to the station.

Texture

The model contains all textures required (color and bump map). The models are tied to jpg images but Photoshop psd images with layers have been included for additional manipulation by the user. 4K maps are provided and the 2K photoshop templates are available with this product. You can contact us for the 4K maps (very large).

Old and new markings are available within the template texture, as are markings for Endeavour, Atlantis, Discovery, Challenger, and Columbia.

A separate template is available for the SRB's and external tank.

History

NASA's Space Shuttle, officially called Space Transportation System (STS), is the United States government's current manned launch vehicle and is scheduled to be retired from service in 2010. The winged Space Shuttle orbiter is launched vertically, usually carrying five to seven astronauts (although eight have been carried) and up to 50,000 lb (22 700 kg) of payload into low earth orbit. When its mission is complete, the shuttle can independently move itself out of orbit (by means of making a 180-degree turn and firing its main engines, thus slowing it down) and re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. During descent and landing, the orbiter acts as a glider and makes a completely unpowered landing.The shuttle is the only winged manned spacecraft to achieve orbit and land, and the only reusable space vehicle that has ever made multiple flights into orbit. Its missions involve carrying large payloads to various orbits (including segments to be added to the International Space Station), providing crew rotation for the International Space Station, and performing service missions. The orbiter can also recover satellites and other payloads from orbit and return them to Earth, but its use in this capacity is rare. However, the shuttle has previously been used to return large payloads from the ISS to Earth, as the Russian Soyuz spacecraft has limited capacity for return payloads. Each vehicle was designed with a projected lifespan of 100 launches, or 10 years' operational life.