A New Era of Space Shuttle

The U.S. Space Shuttle represents the beginning of a new era in transportation and is the critical element in the industrialization of the near-Earth-space. Most of its flights are dedicated to reducing costs launching commercial satellites. However, it provides a microgravity environment for processing unique and improved materials which is generating great interest in both civilian and military sectors. The space shuttle is also the necessary step in establishing a permanent space station which could host materials analysis laboratories and commercial processing facilities. This paper reviews the different elements of the space shuttle transportation system, a typical mission scenario, and discusses current activities in materials processing in space.