A verbose index is available for this section.

Thermal Protection System

Various materials applied to the outer structure protect the orbiter from excessive heat.

Main Propulsion System

Along with SRBs, provides velocity increment necessary to reach orbit.

Orbiter/External Tank Separation System

Includes system components on both sides of the separation.

Orbital Maneuvering System

The orbital maneuvering system provides the thrust for orbit insertion, circularization, orbit transfer, rendezvous, and deorbit.

Reaction Control System

The RCS units provide the thrust for pitch, yaw and roll maneuvers and for small velocity changes along the orbiter axis.

Electrical Power System

EPS subsystems work together to provide electrical power to the vehicle during all mission phases.

Environmental Control and Life Support System

ECLSS systems interact to provide a habitable environment for the flight crew and cooling or heating for various orbiter systems and components.

Auxiliary Power Units

The orbiter has three APUs, hydrazine-fueled, turbine driven power units produce pressure for the vehicle's hydraulic systems.

Water Spray Boilers

The water spray boiler system consists of three identical independent water spray boilers, one per corresponding auxiliary power unit and hydraulic system.

Hydraulic System

The hydraulic system consists of three independent systems, each providing mechanical shaft power to drive a hydraulic pump.

Landing Gear System

Each landing gear includes a shock strut with two wheel and tire assemblies.

Caution and Warning System

Designed to provide the crew with both visual and aural cues when a system exceeds predefined operating limits.

Communications

Ground-based, orbiter and satellite systems are employed to keep the crew in touch with Mission Control.

Avionics Systems

Controls, or assists in controlling, most of the shuttle systems.