The space shuttle program provided a relatively efficient, reusable means to carry astronauts, satellites, and supplies into space. Many of the components of the space shuttle were reusable, unlike the space capsules of previous programs. The shuttle itself was able to return to Earth after completing it’s mission and land and be refitted for the next mission.

The shuttle program was instrumental in the deployment and maintenance of key satellites such as the Hubble Telescope. It also served to provide many of the components to the International Space Station and served to transport ISS crew members and supplies to and from Earth.