Shuttle Carrier Aircraft
Videos
The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft are two extensively modified Boeing 747 airliners that NASA used to transport Space Shuttle orbiters. One is a 747-100 model, while the other is a short-range 747-100SR. B
NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft 905 (front) and 911 (back) flying in formation in 2011
Shuttle Carrier Aircraft N905NA, still in American Airlines livery, with Enterprise in 1978
Atlantis atop Shuttle Carrier Aircraft N905NA after being repainted with NASA livery in 1998
Shuttle Carrier Aircraft N911NA, shortly after purchase, with newly built shuttle Endeavour in 1991.
Space Shuttle orbiter
Videos
The Space Shuttle orbiter was the spaceplane component of the Space Shuttle, a partially reusable orbital spacecraft system that was part of the discontinued Space Shuttle program. Operated from 1981
Shuttle Carrier Aircraft
…The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) are two extensively modified Boeing 747 airliners that NASA used to transport Space Shuttle orbiters. One (N905NA) is a 747-100 model, while the other (N911NA) is a short-range 747-100SR. Both are now retired. The SCAs were used to ferry Space Shuttles…
Discovery approaches the International Space Station (ISS) on STS-121
Discovery's forward reaction control thrusters
Cutaway diagram of the Space Shuttle's three-level cabin
Space Shuttle glass cockpit (simulated, composite image)