Space Shuttle Discovery + Booster Rockets

The development of a transport system for NASA with reusable main components began in 1972 at North American Rockwell and a number of other companies.
The total weight of the Space Shuttle ready for launch is 2055 t.
It can carry a payload of 30 t into an orbit of up to 965 km above the Earth.
The orbiter prototype, the Enterprise, was completed in 1976.
The Enterprise was used to research the flight and landing characteristics in the atmosphere and to develop the space-worthy shuttle.
The first launch of a Space Shuttle into space took place on April 12, 1981 with the Space Shuttle Columbia.
With the completion of further orbiters from 1983 onwards, NASA significantly intensified its scientific-experimental and military-strategic activities together with the US Air Force.
Communications and research satellites were transported into space, repairs were carried out on site and the American space station was built and supplied.
The Challenger was in space for the first time on April 4, 1983.
The Discovery took off for the first time on August 30, 1984.
The fourth space shuttle Atlantis has been in use on 26 missions since October 3, 1985.
The Endeavour completed its first launch on May 7, 1992.
This shuttle was equipped with numerous new devices and computers, making it more powerful overall.
The orbiters can remain in space for a maximum of 28 days.
The enormous structural and thermal loads during takeoff and landing require constant checks and maintenance of all components as well as improvements to the equipment.
The heat shield on the front and underside of the space shuttle is particularly affected by this and must be constantly monitored and repaired.
The Challenger was lost in 1986 and the Columbia in 2003 due to two tragic accidents in which the entire crew died.
After a two-year break and extensive modifications to the orbiters and the main tank, the flights were resumed.

Plastic model kit

• Openable cargo bay doors
• Movable transport arm
• External fuel tank with two solid rocket boosters
• Mobile launch pad
• Three detailed rocket engine end stages
• Decals: Orbiter Enterprise, Discovery, Atlantis, Endeavour before 1998 / Orbiter Enterprise, Discovery, Atlantis, Endeavour after 1998

Scale 1:144

unbuilt / unpainted

Paint and glue not included