Model, Space Shuttle, Grumman/Boeing G-3 2-Stage Fully-Reusable Concept, 1:192

NASA studied this Grumman concept for a fully reusable space transportation system during the Shuttle research effort in 1969-1972. It featured two piloted fly-back vehicles - a booster and a large orbiter - both having retractable jet engines for powered descent to landing. All propellants were carried inside each vehicle. The booster had straight wings, but the orbiter had large delta wings for better maneuverability. NASA transferred a variety of concept models to the Museum after settling on the final Space Shuttle design.