# Nasa Space Shuttle
*launch services*

## Specifications
- **entity type**: launch_service
- **last verified date**: 2026-06-16
- **verified by**: agency-doc
- **claim status**: agency-sourced
- **attributes**: {}

## Editorial
NASA Space Shuttle was a reusable crew-and-cargo low-Earth-orbit transportation system, formally the Space Transportation System, used to launch, retrieve, service, and assemble orbital payloads.[^nasa-shuttle-reference][^nasa-shuttle-history] It is retired: the fleet flew 135 missions from the first launch on 1981-04-12 to the final landing on 2011-07-21.[^nasa-shuttle-history][^nasa-shuttle-reference] Shuttle cargo could weigh up to 29,000 kg / 65,000 lb, depending on the required orbital inclination.[^nasa-wings-shuttle-operations] For launch procurement, this is historical infrastructure rather than an active commercial launch service. The Shuttle deployed, serviced, or carried science and Earth-observation payloads during its operational life.[^nasa-shuttle-history][^nasa-shuttle-reference]

## Sources
- [nasa-shuttle-history] | The Space Shuttle, NASA | https://www.nasa.gov/space-shuttle/ | tier=agency-doc | accessed=2026-06-16
- [nasa-shuttle-reference] | The Space Shuttle reference, NASA | https://www.nasa.gov/reference/the-space-shuttle/ | tier=agency-doc | accessed=2026-06-16
- [nasa-wings-shuttle-operations] | The Space Shuttle and Its Operations, NASA | https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/wings-ch3a-pgs53-73.pdf | tier=agency-doc | accessed=2026-06-16

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Source: https://eo-atlas.org/launch_services/nasa-space-shuttle
Maintainer: SpectraWorks B.V. (CC-BY 4.0)