Innovation
and Shuttle Technology
Stephen Garber
The
successful launch of the first Shuttle mission demonstrated several
cutting-edge technologies. First, each orbiter has three Space Shuttle
Main Engines (SSMEs), which were innovative in design. Second, engineers
had to solve the problem of excessive vehicle heating upon reentry
into the Earth atmosphere; they did so by using a Thermal
Protection System composed of special ceramic tiles on the outside
of the orbiter. Third, the Shuttle has always featured an advanced
Digital
Fly-By-Wire control and computer system;
many commercial airplanes now use avionics adapted from this system.
The Shuttle also demonstrated that many other complex subsystems
could work in concert. Over time, NASA has upgraded
and refurbished the Shuttle with various advanced systems, such
as the recent glass
cockpit of digital displays.

Updated
November 15, 2012
Bill Barry, NASA Chief Historian
Steve Garber, NASA History Web Curator
For further information, e-mail histinfo@hq.nasa.gov
Designed
by Douglas Ortiz and edited by Lisa Jirousek
NASA Printing and
Design
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