Definition

Noun: A reusable spacecraft designed for multiple journeys into space and back to Earth. It is characterized by having wings that allow it to land on a runway like an airplane after re-entering the Earth's atmosphere.

Usage

The term "space shuttle" refers specifically to the vehicle system itself. It is used as a singular noun and can be preceded by articles like "the," "a," or "an." It often functions as the subject or object in a sentence.

Examples

• The space shuttle was launched from Kennedy Space Center.
• NASA's fleet of space shuttles conducted over 130 missions.
• Astronauts trained for years to fly on the space shuttle.

Advanced Usage

• "space shuttle program": Refers to the overall project or series of missions involving space shuttles.
  • The space shuttle program ended in 2011 after 30 years of service.
• "space shuttle orbiter": Specifically refers to the winged, reusable spacecraft component of the entire shuttle launch system.
  • The space shuttle orbiter Atlantis is now on display at a museum.

Variants and Related Words

• Shuttle (noun): A vehicle or service that travels back and forth between two points. While related, this is a more general term.
  • An airport shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes.
• Spacecraft (noun): A general term for any vehicle designed for travel or operation in outer space. A space shuttle is one type of spacecraft.
• Orbiter (noun): A spacecraft designed to orbit a celestial body. The space shuttle orbiter could operate in Earth orbit.

Synonyms

• Reusable spacecraft
• Orbiter (in the specific context of the shuttle vehicle)

Related Phrases

• Shuttle mission: A specific flight or operational task performed by a space shuttle.
  • The final shuttle mission was completed by Atlantis.
• Shuttle launch: The event of a space shuttle being propelled into space.
  • Thousands gathered to watch the shuttle launch.

Noun

1. a reusable spacecraft with wings for a controlled descent through the Earth's atmosphere