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Space Shuttle: size, dimension and comparison

The adopted reference is about 37.24 m.

orbiter length

37.24 m = 3,724 cm. A meter contains 100 centimeters, or 1,000 millimeters.

1981First orbital flight

The measurement covers the orbiter alone, without the external tank or boosters.

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Space Shuttle, interpreted illustration
Interpreted illustration · dimension stated in the fact sheet.

What does this number measure?

The measurement concerns the orbiter alone, without the external tank or boosters. Displayed dimension: orbiter length.

Compare the stated dimensions

The comparison uses the number in each fact sheet: altitude, height, diameter, length or distance, depending on the reference. Two values in metres do not necessarily describe the same property.

Compare with Ariane 5 rocket in the explorer →

Source and limitations

Catalogue value to check against the source; not individually audited.

Space Shuttle orbiter alone, longitudinal profile.

First orbital flight: 1981. Proposed historical date; an existing documentary source is linked but was not consulted for this date in this session. Do not interpret this reference as the manufacturing date of the illustrated specimen. First orbital flight of the American Space Shuttle (Columbia, STS-1); Enterprise's atmospheric tests in 1977 came earlier.