The Orbiter has a Òlifting bodyÓ design. Not just its wings but its entire body is aerodynamically shaped to provide it with the lift it needs to keep from crashing to the ground. Its nose and the top of its body are rounded so that the air flowing over the Shuttle moves faster than the air beneath. Its wings are swept back close to the body to reduce drag. This also helps reduce the temperatures experienced by the leading edges of the wings during re-entry.

The vertical stabilizer fin on the aft fuselage provides it with greater stability as it speeds through the EarthÕs atmosphere. The rudder on the stabilizer and the elevons on the OrbiterÕs wings also provide stability and steering. They can be manoeuvred to increase the amount of drag and reduce the OrbiterÕs speed as it comes in for a landing.