Progress of manned space flight from Apollo to Space Shuttle

The technology employed for the Apollo lunar missions is examined, taking into account developments which represented, at the time, advances in the state of the art. Differences between the technology required for the Space Shuttle and Apollo are partly related to the fact that the Shuttle mission is 'more forgiving' than Apollo with its lunar landings. On the other side, the Orbiter is a much more complicated vehicle, and has to function as a launch vehicle, a spacecraft, and an aircraft. Technological advances needed in connection with the Shuttle development are described in detail, and requirements for a manned permanent presence in space are discussed. A manned orbital transfer vehicle which can go to geosynchronous orbit will have to be developed, while a regenerative life support system will be needed for the space station itself along with a power generation and energy storage system, and improvements related to living and working conditions in space.