  
| Beginning in 1972, President Richard Nixon proposed the development of a reusable space transportation system. During that same year, NASA chose the three part configuration for the space shuttle: reusable orbiter, reusable SRB's, and an expendable external tank. Over the next two years, series of tests and designs finally resulted in the orbiter Enterprise. Each of the shuttles accommodates seven people (ten people in an emergency situation), and it can remain in space for a maximum of 30 days. The space shuttle is capable of pulling 65,036 pounds (29,500 kg) into orbit. Though the structure has a life span of 500 flights, the skin of the shuttle must be replaced every 100th flight and its engines every 55th flight. For more info on Space Shuttle missions order your own copy of SpaceAGE. |

AN INCREDIBLE IMAGE OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE.
MANY MORE IMAGES LIKE THIS ARE INCLUDED
IN THE FULL VERSION OF SPACEAGE
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