The Boeing 747 aircraft was occasionally used to transport space shuttles, specifically NASA's Space Shuttle orbiters, as part of the Space Shuttle Transportation System (STS). This process was employed when moving the orbiters between their landing sites, launch sites, and maintenance or refurbishment facilities. The Boeing 747 used for this purpose is commonly referred to as the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA).Key points about the Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) and its role in transporting space shuttles:1. **Designation:** The Boeing 747 aircraft modified to carry the Space Shuttle orbiter was specifically designated as the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA). NASA had two modified Boeing 747s for this purpose.2. **Modified Aircraft:** The SCA underwent significant modifications to accommodate the space shuttle on its back. The orbiter was mounted on top of the aircraft, and structural enhancements were made to ensure a secure attachment.3. **Piggyback Transport:** The space shuttle would be mounted vertically on top of the SCA, resembling a piggyback configuration. The shuttle's tail would extend beyond the tail of the 747.4. **Ferry Flights:** The primary purpose of the SCA was to ferry the space shuttles between various locations, such as landing sites, launch facilities, and the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.5. **Operational Necessity:** Transporting the space shuttle by air was necessary because the orbiter lacked its own propulsion for long-distance travel. The SCA provided an efficient means of moving the shuttle over large distances.6. **First Use:** The first 747 SCA, a modified Boeing 747-100 series, was used for the Enterprise, which was not space-rated but was used for approach and landing tests. The second SCA, a modified Boeing 747-100SR series, was used for operational space shuttle missions.7. **NASA's Two SCAs:** - NASA's two Shuttle Carrier Aircraft were named NASA 911 (Boeing 747-100 series) and NASA 905 (Boeing 747-100SR series). - NASA 905 was the more extensively modified of the two and was used for operational missions.8. **Retirement:** The Boeing 747 SCAs were retired along with the Space Shuttle program. The final ferry flight of a space shuttle on a Boeing 747 SCA took place in 2012.9. **Museum Displays:** Following their retirement, the Boeing 747 SCAs were preserved and put on display at various museums. For example, NASA 911 is on display at the Space Center Houston, while NASA 905 is on display at the Space Shuttle Pavilion of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City.The use of the Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft played a crucial role in the Space Shuttle program, enabling the efficient transportation of the shuttles across the United States for different mission phases and activities.
Measures 25.5 inches long.
Wooden.

Good condition. No major rips, tears, etc.