The Space Shuttle is the name given to the spacecraft that is owned and operated by NASA, and officially called the Space Transportation System (STS). The space shuttle is used for human spaceflight, and has been a major part of America’s push towards space since April 12, 1981. The space shuttle is destined to retire in 2010, but will always be remembered for its big role in the history of human spaceflight. Despite their huge role in human technological evolution, even NASA have needed to promote themselves at some times during their history. The Internet is used by many different companies and organisations around the world as a key promotional tool, and NASA is no exception.
It has long been known that any space shuttle launch requires massive public interest if it is going to be commercially successful, and the Internet is a great way to get the word out about any special event. NASA has a web design and development team, just like many other large corporations around the world, and has had to attract both public attention and government funding throughout its history. With professional website designer software, and a talented team of online marketers, NASA has mostly been very successful in making the various space shuttle launches known to the public.
The space shuttle consists of a rust coloured external tank, two white Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs), and a winged space plane known as the orbiter. The smaller orbiter plane itself is often referred to as the space shuttle, and is the shape probably recognised by most people who have seen it on TV, in print, or on the Internet. Six space shuttles have been built since 1981, each of which has had a similar design and development: Enterprise, Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour.
NASA enjoyed huge popular attention during its heady days of moon expeditions, with astronauts becoming household names and massive celebrities. Since these days however, public interest has wained and NASA needs to promote its less glamorous work to a much less excited public. However, through using XsitePro web design software and establishing an innovative online marketing strategy, NASA should be able to reignite the fire that has made it one of the most easily recognised institutions in the world.