Often built using large-diameter tanks. In advanced builds, these are "dry-mass optimized" to ensure the shuttle can carry at least 10–20% of its mass as payload.
is a 2D rocket-building and physics-based spaceflight game. While the stock game includes basic shuttle-like parts (fuel tanks, engines, wings), creating a realistic Space Shuttle (orbiter with external tank and boosters) requires specific mods for: sfs space shuttle mod
Access high-fidelity 2D skins that replicate the shuttle's heat tiles and NASA markings. Often built using large-diameter tanks
Switch to the OMS pods. Burn pro-grade to circularize your orbit at 250 km. While the stock game includes basic shuttle-like parts
Accelerate until your Apogee is at 250 km. Hit stage to jettison the now-empty external tank. The tank will fall back to Earth. Your orbiter is now alone.
Realistic Space Shuttle Update (Spaceflight Simulator - SFS)
For a truly functional shuttle experience, you often need parts not found in the base game: PicoSpace Industries' Utility Pack