Remembering When NASA Mounted The Space Shuttle Atop A Boeing 747

The Boeing 747 continues to be recognized as one of the most iconic commercial jets of all time. Originally introduced in the 1960s, the game-changing aircraft brought unprecedented capacity, range, and comfort to the commercial aviation industry. After its launch, airlines across the world flocked to the type, with some even continuing to operate it today. The 747 and most of its variants are undoubtedly a major success.

While the 747 was a commercial success, it has served important roles in aviation beyond passenger operations. The aircraft was famously operated by the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), where two modified 747 variants carried the Space Shuttle, the aircraft used for recurring space travel. NASA’s impressive feat of using the jet comes with several interesting facts and a colorful history, further solidifying that the Boeing 747 was the true Queen of the Skies.

The Shuttle Carrier Brought The Space Shuttle Back To Florida

The Boeing 747s used to carry NASA’s Space Shuttle were known as “Shuttle Carrier” aircraft. The aircraft were used between 1977 and 2012, according to the National Air and Space Museum. The aircraft’s primary purpose was to transport the Space Shuttle from its landing location back to the Kennedy Space Center near Cape Canaveral, Florida. This purpose made the Shuttle Carrier a critical link in NASA’s space flight ambitions.

Both aircraft involved in the program were modified Boeing 747 jets. The aircraft had to undergo several changes to safely transport such a massive piece of equipment, but still, the jets hold significant resemblance to the base model of the Boeing 747. Both aircraft were Boeing 747-100 variants, according to NASA. The first aircraft in the program was acquired from American Airlines in the mid-1970s, not long after the first Boeing 747 entered commercial service.

Since the program’s launch, the Shuttle Carrier has become an iconic symbol of the United States’ space exploration aspirations. Though the Space Shuttle, and thus its carriers, are no longer in service, many remember the striking and rather unusual appearance of a 747 lifting off with another aircraft attached to the top of its fuselage. But for that to be possible, the aircraft underwent some major enhancements and modifications to be capable of transporting the Space Shuttle.

Major Modifications Were Made To The Shuttle Carriers

Because they were carrying such a large aircraft on top of their fuselages, both Shuttle Carrier jets were given some major enhancements. Three struts and their respective structural strengthening in the aircraft’s interior were placed on top of the Shuttle Carriers. In addition to improving the strength of the fuselage, it provided a place for the orbiter to be attached to the aircraft.

The engineers also added enhanced horizontal stabilizers for improved directional stability. These were attached to the aircraft’s existing horizontal stabilizers, giving a unique and recognizable look to the aircraft’s tail section. Less visible to the public was the removal of the aircraft’s entire interior and cabin, which was necessary given that the aircraft was coming from a commercial airline.

More advanced instruments to be used by flight crews were also installed. The primary purpose of these added systems were to monitor electrical loads of the orbiter during ferry flights. All of these changes, while certainly costly, made the 747 capable of carrying the Space Shuttle. Beyond these modifications, the aircraft’s appearance remained remarkably close to a standard Boeing 747.

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The First Shuttle Carrier Did More Than Ferry Aircraft

While the Shuttle Carrier was immortalized for its role in US space exploration, before it was converted into a ferry aircraft, the first jet in the program was actually used for a different purpose upon its arrival at NASA. According to NASA, the government agency used it to perform a series of flight tests at the Armstrong Research Center in Edweards, California. These tests shaped Federal Aviation Administration regulations that were designed to ensure safety for aircraft operating in wake turbulence.

The tests focused on the phenomenon of wake turbulence, which is often found in the path of large aircraft. Though typically causing minor bumps, in the right conditions, it could pose a threat to the safety of flights that are following larger aircraft. These tests provided the foundation for new flight procedures for arriving and departing commercial aircraft. While used for NASA, it seems the Shuttle Carrier has also contributed to ensuring daily commercial aircraft operations remain safe.

Following the aircraft’s time with flight tests focused on wake turbulence, it was sent to Boeing to be modified to carry the Space Shuttle. Though the aircraft had important contributions to the world of aviation, its most popular role would not start until changes were made by its manufacturer. The first Shuttle Carrier was utilized until November 1990, before its replacement aircraft was deployed.

NASA’s Second Shuttle Carrier Also Logged An Impressive History

The second Boeing 747-100 to enter the Shuttle Carrier program was first built in 1973. The jet initially entered service with Japan Airlines, but was ultimately obtained by NASA in 1989. Like with the original 747 Shuttle Carrier, the second aircraft was modified by Boeing. Upon the completion of the necessary modifications, the aircraft was delivered to NASA on November 20, 1990. It would remain with the agency for over two decades.

The aircraft was officially retired in February 2012, marking the end of an iconic and impressive chapter for NASA and the United States’ space exploration efforts. By the time the aircraft was removed from service, it had completed an impressive amount of work for NASA. Among its achievements were:

The Shuttle Carrier program proved to be a successful one for NASA, and has demonstrated the impressive capabilities of the Boeing 747 and other modern, commercial jets. Despite the Boeing 747’s success, the aircraft is becoming an increasingly rare sight in the skies across the world. It won’t be much longer before airlines follow NASA’s move and retire the aircraft type entirely.

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The 747 Is An Increasingly Rare Jet

Unfortunately for 747 fans, the aircraft is reaching the end of its service life. Though it might take longer for freighter airlines (which have embraced the jet) to completely retire the 747, in the commercial segment of the aviation industry, the aircraft has quickly lost favor. The 747’s four engines make it far less efficient than modern twin-engine jets, leading airlines to retire their fleets of the Queen of the Skies in favor of smaller, more cost-efficient aircraft.

Though the 747’s reign is coming to an end, it boasts a long and successful career in connecting the world. Some of the 747’s largest passenger operators over its lifespan include Japan Airlines, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, and United Airlines. Additionally, major cargo carriers like Atlas Air and Kalitta Air invested heavily in the type.

The 747 has become an iconic aircraft that revolutionized flying. Though it may soon disappear from the skies, it will likely be remembered for years to come. Countless 747s are displayed in museums across the world, keeping the memory of the famous jet alive. Additionally, for fans of the 747, Lego recently released a new set featuring the 747’s role as a Shuttle Carrier.

747 Fans Can Now Purchase A Lego Shuttle Carrier Model

Fans of NASA, Lego, or the 747 might enjoy one of Lego’s newest products: a replica of the Shuttle Carrier. The set comes with the pieces to assemble both the 747-100 and Space Shuttle, unlocking a new way to preserve and appreciate the aircraft’s legacy. This set costs about $230 and comes with a whopping 2,417 pieces.

This isn’t the first tribute to modern aviation Lego has made. The company already sells a Concorde model, immortalizing the only supersonic passenger jet. Lego fans have embraced the kit, potentially paving the way for more aviation-themed Lego sets. The price of the Shuttle Carrier set also indicates Lego’s confidence in demand and excitement for the product.

This Lego set, among countless other memorials to the Shuttle Carrier and the Boeing 747, demonstrates the widebody aircraft’s role in shaping modern travel and even space exploration. As the jet continues to be retired by commercial carriers, many are still celebrating the aircraft’s contributions to modern travel. Whether it’s displays in museums, Lego kits, or other experiences, the legacy of the Boeing 747 and the Shuttle Carrier is being kept alive by fans and stakeholders across the world.