38 lines
1.7 KiB
Markdown
38 lines
1.7 KiB
Markdown
---
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title: "Saturn-Shuttle"
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chunk: 1/1
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source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn-Shuttle"
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category: "reference"
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tags: "science, encyclopedia"
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date_saved: "2026-05-05T13:22:15.021108+00:00"
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instance: "kb-cron"
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---
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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.
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== Description ==
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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.
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Some studies proposed the addition of wings (and some form of landing gear) to the S-IC stage, which would allow the booster to fly back to the Kennedy Space Center, where technicians would then refurbish the booster for another flight, whether in its entirety or just the tankage.
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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. However, it was ultimately rejected on basis of cost.
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== See also ==
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Buran programme
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Boeing X-20 Dyna-Soar
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X-37
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Dream Chaser
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List of launch vehicle designs
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== References ==
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== Further reading ==
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"Phase B' Shuttle contractor studies 1971". Archived from the original on January 27, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
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"Phase B' Shuttle cost tradeoffs 1971". Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
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== External links ==
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"Shuttle". www.astronautix.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2016.
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Saturn Shuttle with Flyback Booster, video rendering by Hazegrayart |