The Space Shuttle - Orbital flight phase begins

The results of the first orbital flight test of the Space Shuttle are summarized and the future operations are discussed. It is mentioned that increased payload lift capability will be obtained through a series of planned steps which have already been initiated in the program. These include the use of the main engines at higher thrust levels, lower weight External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB's), higher thrust SRB's, and removal of certain test equipment from the Orbiter. The economics of the Space Shuttle to the users and the future uses of the Space Shuttle are also discussed.