how is the space shuttle different from the manned spacecraft of the 1960s and early 1970s?

Answer 1

The shuttle is reuseable, has a cargo bay capable of returning large cargo o Earth, has room for a crew of 7, and lands like an airplane on a runway.

The old capsules were not reusable, had room for only 3 astronauts, no space to return large cargo to Earth and landed by parachute in the ocean. That landing method is not very accurate, and the could miss the intended target by many miles.

Answer 2

well...

the biggest difference, other than the use part (one time use versus reusable component) is the environmental and living conditions of both.

The original space program craft were designed around a 100 percent oxygen atmosphere at 5 pounds per square inch atmospheric pressure, with food limited to rations that could be consumed to prevent leakage or release into the capsule, and sanitary conditions limited to what could be done in a small space. this was done to hold down the amount of oxygen and consumable supplies as far as weight, which was critical in the respect to the mission to get to the moon.

the shuttle breaks with these conditions in that everything that can be simulated to normal earth conditions is retained for the crew. a shuttle crew works in a 21 percent oxygen, 79 percent nitrogen atmosphere held to 14.7 pounds per square inch, just like on earth, and matches the conditions required for inter mating with the international space station. the shuttle crew works in a far more spacious capsule or crew compartment, eat meals that have been normalized as much as possible, and actually can used a sanitary toilet, and even shower in space to meet hygiene needs.

Answer 3

The pieces (big tank, solid rocket boosters) fall to Earth and can be cleaned up and reused several times. The shuttle itself can be cleaned up and reused many times.

The old rocket spacecraft were "use once" sort of things.

Answer 4

The old craft could only be used once. The Shuttle was meant to be used multiple times, although many parts are not re-usable.

Answer 5

THEY CAN USE THE SHUTTLE MANY TIMES!!!! ROCKETS CAN ONLY BE USED ONCE!!!! MABYE WE SHOULD GO BACK TO ROCKETS WITH THE PROBLEMS THEY ARE HAVING WITH THE SHUTTLES??