Saturn-Shuttle

The Saturn-Shuttle was a preliminary concept of launching the Space Shuttle orbiter using a modified version of the first stage of the Saturn V rocket.^[1] It was studied and considered in 1971–1972.^[2]

Saturn-Shuttle

NASA model of Saturn-Shuttle configuration
Function	Crewed LEO launch 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 to LEO
Mass	60,500 kg (133,400 lb)[1]
Launch history
Status	Canceled
Launch sites	Kennedy LC-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	5 Rocketdyne 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 plus External Tank
Powered by	3 SSMEs 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]

Description

An interstage would be fitted on top of the S-IC stage to support the external tank in the space occupied by the S-II stage in the Saturn V. It was an alternative to the SRBs.^[1]

Some studies proposed the addition of wings (and some form of landing gear) to the S-IC stage, which would allow the booster to fly back to the Kennedy 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 the International Space Station, using a Skylab or Mir 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]

See also

• Buran programme
• Boeing X-20 Dyna-Soar
• X-37
• Dream Chaser
• List of launch vehicle designs