Space Shuttle

Partially reusable launch system and space plane Space ShuttleDiscovery lifts off at the start of the STS-120 mission.FunctionCrewed orbital launch and reentryManufacturerUnited Space AllianceThiokol/Alliant Techsystems (SRBs)Lockheed Martin/Martin Marietta (ET)Boeing/Rockwell (orbiter)Country of originUnited StatesProject costUS$211 billion (2012)Cost per launchUS$450 million (2011)SizeHeight56 m (184 ft) (stacked vehicle height)Diameter8.7 m (29 ft) (external tank diameter)Mass2,030,000 kg (4,480,000 lb)Stages1½Capacity Payload to LEOAltitude204 km (127 mi)Mass27,500 kg (60,600 lb)Payload to ISSAltitude407 km (253 mi)Mass16,050 kg (35,380 lb)Payload to GTOMass4,940 kg (10,890 lb) with Inertial Upper StagePayload to GEOMass2,270 kg (5,000 lb) with Inertial Upper StagePayload to Earth, returnedMass14,400 kg (31,700 lb) Launch historyStatusRetiredLaunch sitesKennedy, LC-39A & LC‑39BVandenberg, SLC-6 (unused)Total launches135Success(es)133Failures2Challenger (launch failure, 7 fatalities)Columbia (re-entry failure, 7 fatalities)First flightApril 12, 1981 (STS-1)Last flightJuly 21, 2011 (STS-135) Boosters – Solid Rocket BoostersNo. boosters2Maximum thrust13 MN (3,000,000 lbf)Tota