The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) are two extensively modified Boeing 747 airliners that NASA used to transport Space Shuttle orbiters. One (N905NA) is a 747-100 model, while the other (N911NA) is a short-range 747-100SR.

Oct 18, 2021 · For this, the shuttle was carried to altitude by the SCA, then released to allow a free flight glide and return to land. The SCA and its struts were specially modified for these tests. A longer forward strut was used, which increased the shuttle's angle of attack relative to the SCA.

Jan 16, 2021 · It flew its first shuttle-carrying mission in 1991. This involved transporting the new Endeavour Space Shuttle to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The flight originated in Palmdale, California, where the shuttle had been manufactured.

Sep 24, 2014 · NASA’s modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with the Space Shuttle Endeavour on top lifts off to begin its ferry flight back to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Apr 27, 2024 · NASA repurposed Boeing 747s to transport Space Shuttle orbiters due to the orbiter's size. The Boeing 747 is seen as an ideal airframe, with modifications made for secure orbiter attachment during flight. The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft was retired in 2012, preserved, and displayed to the public.

Jan 14, 2025 · NASA used two modified Boeing 747 jetliners, originally manufactured for commercial use, as Space Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA). One is a 747-100 model, while the other is designated a 747-100SR (short range).

Apr 4, 2023 · NASA used two modified Boeing 747 jetliners, originally manufactured for commercial use, as Space Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA). One is a 747-100 model, while the other is designated a 747-100SR (short range).

NASA's two modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft 905 (front) and 911 (rear) were captured by photographer Carla Thomas as they flew in formation over the Southern California high desert in the Edwards Air Force Base Test Range.

Mar 28, 2025 · NASA’s heavily-modified Boeing 747 airliners ferried Space Shuttles from their landing sites back to the Kennedy Space Center from 1974 to 2011, and their role in wider space exploration is now set to be acknowledged by a new LEGO Icons set. That’s according to an anonymous source (re-reported by the generally reliable Clay_Bricks), who says 10360 Space …

Nov 9, 2024 · So 747s were used to bring the shuttles from wherever they landed (usually Edwards Air Force Base, in Southern California) back to Kennedy Space Center on the east coast of Central Florida so they could be prepared and sent back into space.

Apr 13, 2012 · Known as NASA 905, referring to its tail number, the 747 will deliver space shuttle Discovery to Washington, D.C. on April 17 for public display by the Smithsonian's National Air and Space...

NASA used two modified Boeing 747 jetliners, originally manufactured for commercial use, as Space Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA). One is a 747-100 model, while the other is designated a...

Mar 28, 2025 · Consisting of 2417 pieces in total, the $229.99 set is rumored to feature the NASA Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with the Discovery on top. While we've already got a LEGO Icons Space Shuttle Discovery model in 2021 , the one included in the new set will likely be a bit smaller in order to fit on the plane and considering the piece count.

Apr 28, 2024 · NASA needed a super strong plane to carry its space shuttles around. Regular cargo planes just wouldn’t do! So, they came up with a fascinating idea: modify giant Boeing 747 jets to become “shuttle carriers.” These weren’t your typical 747s, though. NASA actually looked at another big plane, the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, at first.

Jan 27, 2022 · In May 1983, what was then NASA’s only Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a highly-modified Boeing 747 airliner capable of carrying a Space Shuttle on the top of its fuselage, arrived at the Paris Air Show carrying the shuttle Enterprise.

Dec 17, 2024 · Famously, NASA heavily modified two Boeing 747 Jumbo jets to carry its Space Shuttles (they are called the Space Shuttle Carrier Aircraft). Both of these aircraft are now retired and on display.

Jan 7, 2023 · A modified NASA 747 ferried the Space Shuttle Discovery after its 2009 mission to the International Space Station. There were plenty of changes made to both Boeing aircraft to handle the space shuttle.

Mar 11, 2025 · The Independence now sits atop a modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, just as the space shuttles did when they flew back to Florida after each successful flight, in Independence Plaza. This outdoor section of Space Center Houston allows you to ascend several stories and walk through the Independence and 747 and learn about the ...

NASA uses two modified Boeing 747 jetliners, originally manufactured for commercial use, as Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA). One is a 747-100 model (NASA 905), while the other is a short range 747-100SR (NASA 911). The two aircraft are identical in appearance and performance.

Mar 10, 2025 · On March 6, 1985, NASA’s newest space shuttle, Atlantis, made its public debut during a rollout ceremony at the Rockwell International manufacturing plant in ... In the Mate Demate Device, workers placed Atlantis atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747, to begin the ferry flight. The duo left Edwards on April 12, the fourth ...

Jan 24, 2011 · By mid-1974 Boeing's 747-based proposal and Lockheed's simpler C-5 Galaxy-based proposal were the only serious contenders to become the new Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA).

Apr 12, 2012 · Known as NASA 905, referring to its tail number, the 747 will deliver space shuttle Discovery to Washington, D.C. on April 17 for public display by the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.

The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) were two extensively modified Boeing 747 airliners that NASA used to transport Space Shuttle orbiters. One is a 747-100 model, while the other is a short range 747-100SR.

Mar 7, 2025 · The vehicles measure about 29 feet (9 meters) long, roughly one-quarter the length of one of NASA's space shuttle orbiters. The X-37B has a wingspan just shy of 15 feet (4.6 meters) and is not ...

Oct 27, 2020 · Two of those 747s found themselves piggybacking NASA's space shuttles around North America. While it wasn't unknown for the space shuttles to be transported short distances by road, these two 747s did much of the long-distance heavy lifting. Between 1981 and 2011, NASA flew 135 space shuttle missions.

5 days ago · The 747 Experience opened in March of 2017 as a museum exhibit and event space. From the museum parking lot, you approach the rear of the aircraft. The Delta 747-400 exhibit.