BOMBER STS SPACEFOX: LIMITED EDITION IN TRIBUTE TO STS MISSIONS

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Time to read 6 min

WHAT ARE STS MISSIONS?

The STS missions, also known as the Space Shuttle program , were a central part of NASA's human space program from 1981 to 2011. STS stands for Space Transportation System, reflecting the ambition to create a reusable space transportation system to send astronauts and equipment into Earth orbit. The program has seen many accomplishments and challenges over its 30-year history.

WHEN AND WHY WAS THE STS PROGRAM LAUNCHED?

The program's first flight, STS-1, was launched on April 12, 1981, with the Space Shuttle Columbia. The program's primary goal was to reduce the cost of access to space by using a reusable space shuttle, as opposed to the disposable rockets previously used. Missions covered a wide range of activities, including satellite deployment, weightless scientific experiments, and most importantly, the construction and maintenance of the International Space Station (ISS) .

STS-1 mission liftoff

STS PROGRAM SHUTTLES

To carry out no fewer than 135 missions between 1981 and 2011, the program used five orbital shuttles: Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour.

A space shuttle is made up of 3 distinct parts.


The Orbiter, or Shuttle, is the only component that goes into orbit to transport equipment or astronauts during STS space missions.


The orange-colored external tank supplied the three SSME main engines with liquid hydrogen (the fuel) and liquid oxygen (the oxidizer) during the ship's ascent.


The tank was divided into 3 parts, the liquid oxygen tank at the front, the liquid hydrogen tank at the rear and the "inter-tank" part between the two.
The only one of the shuttle's three elements that was not reusable ended up being destroyed when it fell into the Earth's atmosphere.


The two solid rocket boosters, in white, provide the additional thrust needed by the shuttle in the first phase of its ascent.
The shuttle and the thrusters are the only reusable parts, in fact the shuttle after re-entering the Earth's atmosphere lands like an airplane on one of the landing strips provided for this purpose, at the Kennedy Space Center or at Edwards Air Force Base.
The thrusters are recovered by two ships after they fall back into the sea, the Liberty Star and the Freedom Star. Two unique ships specially built by NASA for these operations.

Composition of STS shuttles

A PROGRAM MARKED BY TRAGEDIES

Space exploration is far from without risks. Like explorers of all eras, the danger of a fatal outcome is always present.


The first STS mission drama occurred during mission STS-51-L in 1986.

During the launch of the Challenger shuttle, a ruptured O-ring on one of the two solid rocket boosters attached to the main hydrogen tank allowed a flame to escape into the external tank. Seventy-two seconds after liftoff, the external tank exploded, causing the other booster to destabilize, which then struck the top of the rocket, causing an additional explosion.

The Challenger shuttle, however, was not destroyed immediately in the explosion. After disintegration caused by aerodynamic forces, the tank ignited within seconds, creating a gigantic fireball.

The cabin, containing the seven crew members, then began a two-minute freefall toward the ocean. NASA engineers discovered that the astronauts survived the initial impact. To this day, it remains uncertain whether it was the freefall into the depressurized cabin or the impact with the ocean that caused the astronauts' deaths.


A few years after the Challenger tragedy, it was the STS-107 mission that suffered a tragedy.
During the launch of the shuttle Columbia, a piece of foam insulation broke off from the external tank, striking the shuttle's left wing. This damaged the heat shield (Thermal Protection System, TPS), which was essential to protect the shuttle from the intense heat of atmospheric reentry.

The shuttle was traveling at Mach 2.46, or about 1,560 mph (2,523 km/h). At an altitude of about 65,000 feet (20,000 meters), the foam fragment broke off. Slowed by air friction, it struck the leading edge of the shuttle's wing at a relative speed of about 547 mph (877 km/h).

NASA engineers, overconfident in the strength of the leading edge material, considered the incident minor and assured the astronauts that they could continue their mission without any problems.

However, upon returning to Earth and re-entering the atmosphere, disaster struck. Hot re-entry gases infiltrated the wing through the opening caused by the initial impact, quickly reaching its internal structure and causing the shuttle to disintegrate.

KEY DATES OF THE STS PROGRAM

  1. STS-1 (April 12, 1981) - First flight of a Space Shuttle (Columbia), primarily a flight test.

  2. STS-2 to STS-9 (1981-1983) - First operational missions, including the first deployment of commercial satellites.

  3. STS-41-B (February 3, 1984) - First flight of the shuttle Challenger; first use of the maneuvering units in space by astronauts without docking.

  4. STS-51-L (January 28, 1986) - Challenger disaster, resulting in a nearly three-year hiatus in U.S. human spaceflight.

  5. STS-26 (September 29, 1988) - "The return flight" with Discovery, marking the resumption of flights after the Challenger accident.

  6. STS-31 (April 24, 1990) - Discovery launches the Hubble Space Telescope.

  7. STS-61 (December 2, 1993) - First Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission, flown by Endeavour.

  8. STS-71 (June 27, 1995) - First shuttle mission to dock with the Mir space station.

  9. STS-95 (October 29, 1998) - John Glenn returns to space aboard Discovery.

  10. STS-98 (February 7, 2001) - Delivery of the Destiny laboratory to the International Space Station (ISS) by Atlantis.

  11. STS-107 (January 16, 2003) - Columbia crashes during return to Earth, resulting in the loss of the crew and another hiatus in human spaceflight.

  12. STS-114 (July 26, 2005) - "Return flight" with Discovery after the Columbia accident, testing new safety measures.

  13. STS-125 (May 11, 2009) - Fifth and final Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission, flown by Atlantis.

  14. STS-133, STS-134, and STS-135 (2010–2011) - The final missions of the program, with STS-135 and Atlantis marking the final flight of the Space Shuttle in July 2011.


This list provides an overview of key moments and significant contributions of the STS program, although it does not cover every mission in detail. The STS program was crucial to the deployment and maintenance of the Hubble Space Telescope, the construction of the ISS, and provided years of microgravity research, among other accomplishments.


Hubble telescope launched into orbit

A BOMBER IN TRIBUTE TO STS MISSIONS

The STS Bomber is a limited edition jacket made in tribute to the STS missions by Spacefox in 2021: 40 years after the first mission, 10 years after the last STS mission.

STS bomber worn by a male model in front of a NASA backdrop

ORANGE PUMPKIN

The bomber jacket is inspired by the outfits worn by astronauts, particularly the iconic orange Pumpkin Space Suit during the STS (Space Transportation System) missions. The Spacefox bomber jacket is the same orange color that allowed crew members to be found in the event of a crash on Earth, in the deep blue of the ocean.

Orange pumpkin, the color of the STS suits, the Pumpkin Space Suit

SYMBOLIC DETAILS

Many details and nods inspired by real suits are integrated into the outfit. Examples include the iconic pencil pocket on the sleeve, chemlite pockets, a reinforced collar inspired by helmet safety systems, and a suit ventilation inlet valve that allows oxygen to enter the suit.

Patch visible on the STS bomber
STS bomber detail, valve suit ventilation inlet, pencil pocket

CUSTOMIZABLE PATCHES

A total of 5 patches allow you to personalize your STS bomber as you wish, including 3 flag patches traditionally placed on the upper arm.

STS Program Patch, Right Shoulder
French flag patch, left shoulder

AN STS ANNIVERSARY EDITION

The iconic orange Spacefox bomber jacket was released in 2021 to celebrate both the 40th anniversary of the first STS mission, and the 10th anniversary of the last STS mission (the 135th). The label inside the bomber jacket symbolically summarizes the highlights of this NASA program between 1981 and 2011.

STS bomber label, tribute to STS missions

The Spacefox STS Bomber not only represents a stylistic tribute to NASA’s iconic missions, but also embodies the courage, innovation and spirit of exploration that defined the Space Age. By wearing this limited edition, astronomy and space adventure enthusiasts can proudly wear the colors of space history, while celebrating the accomplishments and remembering the challenges and tragedies overcome.

This collectible serves as a bridge between the glorious past of space exploration and the promising future that awaits us. It reminds us that every individual, no matter where they are, is part of this great adventure into the unknown. As we look to the stars, let us remember the lessons learned and the inspiration drawn from the STS missions to continue our quest for knowledge and exploration.


Which STS mission stands out to you the most and why? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below to continue celebrating the legacy of these historic space missions together.

For collectors, for enthusiasts, for space lovers. Spacefox is committed to creating exceptional products to link fashion and the space universe. Find our limited edition products in the "LIMITED EDITION" category of our website.

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