Developed by the U.S. space agency NASA the Space Shuttle is the only re-usable Space Transportation System in the world. The main components are the Space Shuttle (Orbiter) with three re-usable main engines, an external fuel tank and two solid fuel rockets with a total take-off thrust of 12.46 MN (1,270,566 kp). The Space Shuttle can convey a 24.5 ton payload as well as 7 astronauts into a Low Earth Orbit of between 200 and 650 kilometres. The fourth Space Shuttle Atlantis has completed 35 missions since the 3rd October 1985. In 2012 the shuttle program was discontinued after a period 30 years.

Kit features include

Textured surfaces . Reproduced heat shield tile structure . One astronaut figure . Cargo doors optionally open . Landing gear optionally extended or retracted . ESA Space Laboratory . Air lock . Space telescope . Transport arm (load arm) . Thrusters . Super decal set with service markings and registration of the Space Shuttles Discovery, Enterprise, Endeavour and Atlantis