Space Shuttle orbiter
A Space Shuttle orbiter was a reusable winged spacecraft that carried crews and cargo between Earth and low orbit.
Also known as: Space Shuttle, shuttle orbiter
How big is it?
37.24 m · overall orbiter length
Overall orbiter length · specified
A little perspective
Space Shuttle orbiter vs Skylab: length comparison
The overall orbiter length of a Space Shuttle orbiter is about 1.03 times the overall orbital length of Skylab.
A Space Shuttle orbiter was a reusable winged spacecraft that carried crews and cargo between Earth and low orbit.
Skylab was the first American space station, used for scientific experiments and crewed missions in Earth orbit during the 1970s.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. Horizontal rulers compare the selected spans; vertical brackets also identify height on the artwork.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Space Shuttle orbiter
Overall orbiter length: 37.24 m; specified.
A NASA Space Shuttle orbiter measured 37.24 m long, with a 23.79 m wingspan and 17.25 m overall height. External tank and boosters are not included.
NASA Technical Reports Server — Space Shuttle transportation system
The marked overall orbiter length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Skylab
Overall orbital length: 36.1 m; specified.
Skylab was approximately 36.1 m long in orbit and had a launch mass of 77,088 kg. Deployed solar arrays extend across its width but do not define the measured longitudinal span.
The marked overall orbital length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 37.24 m
We compare the overall orbiter length of a Space Shuttle orbiter. This value follows a stated specification; check its scope in the notes.
A NASA Space Shuttle orbiter measured 37.24 m long, with a 23.79 m wingspan and 17.25 m overall height. External tank and boosters are not included.
The marked vertical span follows the measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37.24 m | Not recorded | specified | |
| 23.79 m | Not recorded | specified | |
| 17.25 m | Not recorded | specified |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valuePlanets, moons and spaceSkylab36.1 mOverall orbital lengthSkylab was the first American space station, used for scientific experiments and crewed missions in Earth orbit during the 1970s.
Around the same scalePlaces and natural features50 × 40 m playground40 mWidthA playground is an outdoor space intended for children's recreation and play activities.
Nearest higher valueLiving thingsSiphonophore colony40 mRepresentative extended colony lengthA siphonophore is a floating colony of specialised animals called zooids that function together as one organism-like body.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NASA Technical Reports Server — Space Shuttle transportation systemOrbiter and integrated Space Shuttle configuration, dimensions and propulsion data.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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SportDoubles tennis court23.77 mA doubles tennis court is the marked playing surface used for tennis with the outer doubles sidelines included.
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