The Space Shuttle

The space shuttle is usually set on 'auto,' giving me and the rest of the crew plenty of free time to observe and explore. I normally keep my assistant flight engineer in charge while I make observations of the space shuttle. I have done some research our space shuttle's interior structure and exterior design out of pure fascination.

Our space shuttle is a very complex machine involving numerous subsystems. It is made of light-weight and durable alloys of titanium, aluminum and magnesium. The entire vehicle is coated with carbon fiber. The space shuttle has an approximate wingspan of 80 feet, and a height of 130 feet. It weighs around 80,000kgs, not including the passengers and supplies! The vehicle includes advanced communication devices (advanced radios) to relay all data and discoveries to NASA. The vehicle also includes an updated navigation system in order for us to make our way around space. 

Our spacecraft is comprised of various subsystems: Life Support, Attitude Control, Command and Data-handling, Thermal Control and Propulsion. The Life Support, one of the most essential systems in space travel, is a group of devices that allows human beings to survive in outer space. The system supplies air, water, and food. The Life Support maintains the atmosphere’s composition to allow breathing. The Life Support system has good environmental control to protect us. The Attitude Control system responds to external “torques” and forces to ensure safety. The Command and Data-handling system is where all the communication takes place. The system basically receives and decodes commands from NASA. It records and transmits data to NASA via radios by using the strong signal of radio waves in space. The reason why radio waves are used to communicate with earth is mainly because radio waves do not get interrupted or distorted by nebulae or atmospheres.  

The spacecraft will generate energy and fuel by taking advantage of sunlight and solar panels. The Propulsion, another essential system, is what maneuvers the spacecraft. The thermal control system basically controls the temperature; it allows the spacecraft to withstand the transition through the earth’s atmosphere through space by operating in a vacuum.

Well, that's all the information I collected about our space shuttle. For now.