Before the Space Shuttle, all space-going vehicles were built for one-time use only. ThatÕs because it was very difficult for aeronautic engineers to design a spacecraft that would have the thrust power to leave the EarthÕs atmosphere but still be able to survive the stress of re-entry without burning up or breaking into pieces.

The Orbiter was the first spacecraft to overcome this problem. It is propelled into space by powerful rocket engines. When it enters back into the EarthÕs atmosphere, its special aerodynamic design allows it to fly through the air like a plane and come in for a soft landing on the ground.