Developed by NASA, the "Space Shuttle" was the only reusable space transport system in the world for an extended period of time. The components of the Space Shuttle were: an Orbiter with three reusable main engines, an external fuel tank, and two solid fuel booster rockets producing a total launch thrust of 12.46 MN (1,270,566 kp). The Space Shuttle was able to deliver a payload of 24.5 tons and 7 astronauts to a low earth orbit ranging from 200-650 kilometres in height. The first launch of a Space Shuttle occurred on April 12th, 1981 with the Space Shuttle "Columbia".
