 NASA model of Saturn-Shuttle configuration | |
| Function | CrewedLEOlaunch vehicle |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Boeing (S-IC) Martin Marietta (External Tank) Rockwell International (Space Shuttle orbiter) |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Size | |
| Height | 86 m (281 ft)[1] |
| Diameter | 10 m (33 ft)[1] |
| Mass | 2,300,000 kg (5,070,000 lb)[1] |
| Stages | 2 |
| Capacity | |
| Payload toLEO | |
| Mass | 60,500 kg (133,400 lb)[1] |
| Launch history | |
| Status | Canceled |
| Launch sites | KennedyLC-39 |
| First stage –S-IC | |
| Height | 137.99 ft (42.06 m)[1] |
| Diameter | 33 ft (10 m)[1] |
| Empty mass | 298,104 lb (135,218 kg)[1] |
| Gross mass | 5,040,245 lb (2,286,217 kg)[1] |
| Powered by | 5Rocketdyne F-1[1] |
| Maximum thrust | 8,700,816 lbf (38,703.16 kN)[1] |
| Specific impulse | 304 seconds (2.98 km/s)[1] |
| Burn time | 161 s[1] |
| Propellant | RP-1/LOX[1] |
| Second stage –External Tank | |
| Height | 153.8 ft (46.9 m)[1] |
| Diameter | 27.5 ft (8.4 m)[1] |
| Empty mass | 65,980 lb (29,930 kg)[1] |
| Gross mass | 1,655,616 lb (750,975 kg)[1] |
| Specific impulse | 455 seconds (4.46 km/s)[1] |
| Burn time | 480 s[1] |
| Propellant | LH2 /LOX[1] |
| Second stage –Orbiter plusExternal Tank | |
| Powered by | 3SSMEs located on Orbiter[1] |
| Maximum thrust | 5,250 kN (1,180,000 lbf)[1] |
| Specific impulse | 455 seconds (4.46 km/s)[1] |
| Burn time | 480 s[1] |
| Propellant | LH2 /LOX[1] |
TheSaturn-Shuttle was a preliminary concept of launching theSpace Shuttle orbiter using a modified version of thefirst stage of theSaturn V rocket.[1] It was studied and considered in 1971–1972.[2]
Aninterstage would be fitted on top of theS-IC stage to support the external tank in the space occupied by theS-II stage in the Saturn V. It was an alternative to theSRBs.[1]
Some studies proposed the addition of wings (and some form of landing gear) to the S-IC stage, which would allow the booster tofly back to theKennedy Space Center, where technicians would then refurbish the booster for another flight, whether in its entirety or just the tankage.[1]
The Shuttle would handle space station logistics, while the Saturn V would launch components. This would have allowed theInternational Space Station, using aSkylab orMir configuration with both U.S. and Russian docking ports, to have been lifted with just a handful of launches. However, it was ultimately rejected on basis of cost.[2]
| Early proposals |  | |
|---|---|---|
| "C" series | ||
| Saturn I series | ||
| Saturn II series | ||
| Saturn V series | ||