STS (Space Transportation System)

The Space Transportation System (STS), better known as the Space Shuttle, was NASA’s reusable spacecraft used from 1981 to 2011. It was designed to carry astronauts and cargo to space, including the International Space Station, satellites, and scientific instruments. The Shuttle consisted of a spaceplane with wings, an external fuel tank, and two solid rocket boosters. Its reusability allowed it to be flown multiple times, reducing costs and enabling frequent missions. The STS played a critical role in building and servicing space stations, deploying satellites, and advancing human space exploration.