The Orbiter is the ShuttleÕs flight vehicle. It is where the crew members live and work while in space. It is propelled into orbit by the SRBs and the SSMEs. The Orbiter can fly 185 to 643 km (115 to 400 mi.) above the planetÕs surface.

When its mission in orbit is finished, the Orbiter enters back into the EarthÕs atmosphere and flies much like a glider (or a plane without an engine). The Orbiter glides down to a runway at Kennedy Space Center in Florida or alternative sites.

Six Orbiters have been built for the Space Transportation System. Four are still used on missions.