Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Humpback Orbiter Space Shuttle Concept
An undefined need for more payload bay volume
inspired the thought that the lee side area above the
payload bay (at entry angles of attack) could be used for
an expanded bay. This resulted in what was called the
“humpback” orbiter . The wind shield area was
faired into the higher moldline and whole faired into the
vertical fin trailing edge. There was no change in the
hypersonic aerodynamic characteristics at high angles of
attack. However, there was no evaluation of the subsonic
aerodynamic characteristics but it is likely that there some
degradation of directional stability.
STS External Tank Station
In 1980, NASA conducted a study on various concepts for an American manned space station, focusing on the 'wet workshop' approach. This concept involved using the large External Tank carried into orbit by each shuttle flight to create a spacious space station.
Although the idea was highly cost-effective and practical, NASA management ultimately did not pursue it seriously. The proposal was viewed as a tempting low-cost alternative to their own ambitious plans for a large modular space station.
#spaceshuttle #nasa #2001aspaceodyssey
This work is based on "Waverider Escape Pod v3.2" (sketchfab.com/3d-models/waverider-escape-pod-v32-a932c2931b914c0b8e5db58a0f12ccd9) by Vaportrash (sketchfab.com/vaportrash) licensed under CC-BY-NC-SA-4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
Humpback Orbiter Space Shuttle Concept
An undefined need for more payload bay volume
inspired the thought that the lee side area above the
payload bay (at entry angles of attack) could be used for
an expanded bay. This resulted in what was called the
“humpback” orbiter . The wind shield area was
faired into the higher moldline and whole faired into the
vertical fin trailing edge. There was no change in the
hypersonic aerodynamic characteristics at high angles of
attack. However, there was no evaluation of the subsonic
aerodynamic characteristics but it is likely that there some
degradation of directional stability.
STS External Tank Station
In 1980, NASA conducted a study on various concepts for an American manned space station, focusing on the 'wet workshop' approach. This concept involved using the large External Tank carried into orbit by each shuttle flight to create a spacious space station.
Although the idea was highly cost-effective and practical, NASA management ultimately did not pursue it seriously. The proposal was viewed as a tempting low-cost alternative to their own ambitious plans for a large modular space station.
#spaceshuttle #nasa #2001aspaceodyssey
This work is based on "Waverider Escape Pod v3.2" (sketchfab.com/3d-models/waverider-escape-pod-v32-a932c2931b914c0b8e5db58a0f12ccd9) by Vaportrash (sketchfab.com/vaportrash) licensed under CC-BY-NC-SA-4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
