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.[1] It was studied and considered in 1971–1972.[2]

Saturn-Shuttle
NASA model of Saturn-Shuttle configuration
FunctionCrewed LEO launch vehicle
ManufacturerBoeing (S-IC)
Martin Marietta (External Tank)
Rockwell International (Space Shuttle orbiter)
Country of originUnited States
Size
Height86 m (281 ft)[1]
Diameter10 m (33 ft)[1]
Mass2,300,000 kg (5,070,000 lb)[1]
Stages2
Capacity
Payload to LEO
Mass60,500 kg (133,400 lb)[1]
Launch history
StatusCanceled
Launch sitesKennedy LC-39
First stage – S-IC
Height137.99 ft (42.06 m)[1]
Diameter33 ft (10 m)[1]
Empty mass298,104 lb (135,218 kg)[1]
Gross mass5,040,245 lb (2,286,217 kg)[1]
Powered by5 Rocketdyne F-1[1]
Maximum thrust8,700,816 lbf (38,703.16 kN)[1]
Specific impulse304 seconds (2.98 km/s)[1]
Burn time161 s[1]
PropellantRP-1/LOX[1]
Second stage – External Tank
Height153.8 ft (46.9 m)[1]
Diameter27.5 ft (8.4 m)[1]
Empty mass65,980 lb (29,930 kg)[1]
Gross mass1,655,616 lb (750,975 kg)[1]
Specific impulse455 seconds (4.46 km/s)[1]
Burn time480 s[1]
PropellantLH2 / LOX[1]
Second stage – Orbiter plus External Tank
Powered by3 SSMEs located on Orbiter[1]
Maximum thrust5,250 kN (1,180,000 lbf)[1]
Specific impulse455 seconds (4.46 km/s)[1]
Burn time480 s[1]
PropellantLH2 / LOX[1]

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.[1]

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).[1]

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

References
  1. "Saturn Shuttle". www.astronautix.com. Archived from the original on October 27, 2016. Retrieved 2019-06-24.
  2. Lindroos, Marcus (June 15, 2001). "Phase B' Shuttle contractor studies 1971". Introduction to Future Launch Vehicle Plans [1963-2001] – via PMView.

Further reading
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