Skip to main content

Upgrading the Space Shuttle (1999) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

1 Background
Pages 9-13

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 9...
... After 24 successful shuttle flights, the 1986 Challenger accident stunned the nation and caused the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to reevaluate many fundamental design features of the shuttle vehicle, as well as its entire operations support system, in order to reduce risk.
Read the entire page →
From page 10...
... At the same time, the role of the shuttle in the nation's space endeavors was being reassessed at the national policy level. A December 1986 National Security Decision Directive stated that "NASA shall no longer provide launch services for commercial and foreign payloads unless those spacecraft have unique, specific reasons to be launched aboard the Shuttle." In 1991, a new National Space Launch Strategy restated the shuttle restriction and added "as the nation is moving toward development of a new space launch system, the production of additional space shuttle orbiters is not planned." It also stated: By continuing to operate the Shuttle conservatively, by taking steps to increase the reliability and lifetime of existing orbiters, and by developing a new launch system, the operational life of the existing orbiter fleet will be extended (White House, 1991~.
Read the entire page →
From page 11...
... Additional upgrades, including lightweight crew seats, adjustments to trajectory and propellant reserves, and many minor weight reductions throughout the orbiter, increased payload capacity by approximately another 4,000 kg. The national policy debate about the possible replacement of the shuttle took another step forward with the National Space Transportation Policy of August 5, 1994 (White House, 1994~.
Read the entire page →
From page 12...
... At approximately $100 million per year, this program funds minor modifications to reduce obsolescence, support missions, improve safety, and reduce costs, as well as advanced studies of potential major upgrades in preparation for a decision to continue operating the shuttle beyond 2012. Chapter 2 of this report describes this program.
Read the entire page →
From page 13...
... July 10. White House.
Read the entire page →

Key Terms

  • shuttle program
  • national space
  • space launch
  • main engine
  • solid rocket

  • launch strategy
  • space transportation
  • shuttle design
  • external tank
  • shuttle replacement

  • review team
  • rocket motor
  • shuttle management
  • additional upgrades
  • wheel brakes

  • reusable space
  • transportation policy
  • management independent
  • civil service
  • included improvements

  • reduce obsolescence
  • undergoing substantial
  • shuttle restriction
  • upgrades according
  • galileo mission

  • quantitative risk
  • initial upgrades
  • engine propellant
  • additional space
  • nasa phased


    • This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
    More information on Chapter Skim is available.