The launch of Space Shuttle into low earth orbit late this year will herald a new era in space transportation. As a transporter and as an experimental platform, the Shuttle will make possible low cost development of space manufacturing processes, products, scientific opportunities, and large scale pub I ic services. And, as the Shuttle becomes operational, its role in the military space mission will gain added importance.
Timelines in the completion of each increment of development of the first Orbital Flight Vehicle - successfully achieved to date - becomes increasingly crucial as the scheduled launch date approaches. Concurrent with the testing and final- Ization of this vehicle f s software and hardware construction are the preliminary developmental stages of future Shuttle Orbiters.
The status of each Shuttle Orbiter is - and will continue to be - of particular interest as the Space Shuttle becomes the key In the operation of the space transportation system\u27
