Designing a Shuttle

Designing a Shuttle Synopsis

In the 1970s, NASA wanted to build a new kind of spacecraft that could be used over and over again. The Space Shuttle Program was born, and NASA engineers and scientists were tasked with designing and creating the first shuttle. Nine years later, the first space shuttle was launched.

Learn the history of the Space Shuttle Program and the many issues and problems that the engineers faced. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process.

Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!