Space Transportation System (STS)

NASA's Space Shuttle, aka Space Transportation System (STS), is a winged orbiter that is launched vertically and usually carrying five to seven astronauts and up to 22,700 kg of playload into low earth orbit. When its mission is complete, it re-enters earth to make an unpowered horizontal landing. Each Shuttle designed for a projected lifespan of 100 launches or 10 year's operational life.