Orbiter (S) Discovery

The Space Shuttle Orbiter is the Space Shuttle's orbital vehicle. The orbiter carries most of the main propulsion system for reusable purpose, but the propellant for the three main engines is fed by an external Tank, and solid boosters, helping it to propel during the first two minutes of ascent. Its crew cabin consists of the flight deck, mid-deck and the utility area. The Orbiter hs a large 60 by 15 ft payload bay, filling most of the midfuselage. There are three Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) mounted on the Orbiter's aft fuselage in a triangular pattern. The Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) provides orbital maneuvers, including insertion, circularization, transfer, rendezvous, abort to orbit and abort once around. The Reaction Control System (RCS) provides altitude control and translation along with the pitch, roll and yaw axes during the flight phases of orbit insertion, orbit and re-entry. The Thermal Protection System (TPS) covers the outside of the Orbiter for protection from cold temperature. The Orbiter is made primarily from aluminum alloy. There are six individual orbiters; the Enterprise, Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour.