space shuttle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "space shuttle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the spacecraft typically used for transporting people and cargo from Earth to space and back. For example: "The first successful space shuttle mission was in 1981."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

No space shuttle?

The New York Times

With it, the space shuttle program ended.

The New York Times

The space shuttle arrives in Washington.

The New York Times

That picture of the space shuttle?

The New York Times

Space Shuttle missions five through eight discussed.

The New Yorker

Space shuttle main engine flow.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

All that is changing in the post-space shuttle era.

Huffington Post

Ride travelled on a space-shuttle mission in June , 1983

The New Yorker

Space-shuttle missions have been coming thick & fast.

The New Yorker

Or Racoons on the Space Shuttle.

The Guardian

A list of Space Shuttle datafiles.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "space shuttle", be specific about which aspect you're referring to: the entire program, a specific mission, or the orbiter itself.

Common error

Avoid using present tense when referring to the "space shuttle" program as if it's still active. Use past tense to accurately reflect its historical status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "space shuttle" functions primarily as a noun, specifically a common noun, used to identify a specific type of spacecraft. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Social Media

2%

Science

19%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "space shuttle" is a common noun referring to a specific type of spacecraft developed by NASA. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used. It functions to identify and describe this vehicle, often appearing in neutral to formal contexts, such as news reports, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. The most authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times, Encyclopedia Britannica, and The Washington Post. Common errors involve using present tense when referring to the program as if it were still active. Related phrases include "reusable spacecraft" and "space transportation system". The NASA "space shuttle" program operated from 1981 to 2011.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shuttle program

Refers to the broader program encompassing the space shuttles, rather than a single vehicle.

space transportation system

Emphasizes the role of the space shuttle as a means of transportation to and from space.

retired shuttle

Refers to the now-retired status of the space shuttle program.

spaceplane

Another name of space shuttle, because this type of spacecraft looks like an airplane.

reusable spacecraft

Focuses on the reusability aspect, a key feature of the space shuttle.

winged orbiter

Describes the space shuttle's unique winged design for atmospheric reentry and landing.

orbital vehicle

Highlights the space shuttle's ability to orbit the Earth.

crewed space vehicle

Highlights the fact that the space shuttle carries a human crew.

nasa spacecraft

Specifically refers to spacecraft operated by NASA, the primary operator of the space shuttle.

space exploration vehicle

Broadly refers to vehicles used for exploring space, encompassing the space shuttle.

FAQs

What was the primary function of the "space shuttle"?

The "space shuttle" was primarily designed to transport crew and cargo to and from space, including the International Space Station and to deploy satellites.

When was the "space shuttle" program active?

The NASA "space shuttle" program operated from 1981 to 2011.

What replaced the "space shuttle" after it was retired?

After the "space shuttle" program ended, NASA relied on commercial partners like SpaceX and international collaborations to transport astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station.

What is another term for "space transportation system"?

Another term for "space transportation system" is "reusable spacecraft".