What are the major differences between America's Discovery space shuttle and Russia's Soyuz shuttle?

Question

Why often the launch at the Kennedy Space station, Florida (American) and Kazhakstan (Russian)? what about the engine/fuel/risks and safety etc.
Thanks.

Answer 1

The main difference is that the shuttle is a reusable space craft that lands like an airplane and the Soyuz is a single use capsule. The Shuttle can carry up to 8 people and up to 24,400 kg (53,700 lb) in payload in to orbit. The Soyuz can carry only 3 people and negligible payload. The Soyuz is much cheaper and can stay in space for up to 6 month. The shuttle can only stay for about a month.

The launch site are located in places where the lower stages can drop to earth without hitting populated areas.

The Soyuz is launched by the Proton rocket that uses unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide for fuel. The shuttle uses 2 solid fuel rockets and liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen to get into orbit.

The Soyuz has a really good safety record.

Check out the links for details.

Answer 2

One is a space plane the other is a capsule. The shuttle can ferry about 8 people max and the capsule just 3 people. It is generally excepted that the space shuttle is technically more advanced and is able to ferry a larger amount of equipment into space and also able to bring it back again if required.