★ FAMOUSSpace & science
Shuttle Carrier Aircraft
The piggyback 747 — flew the Space Shuttle home
Tail number N905NA
Retired. This one lives in the history books now.
The story
The 747 that carried Space Shuttles on its back. NASA's original Shuttle Carrier Aircraft ferried orbiters across the country for over 35 years, including every post-landing ride home from California. The mounting instructions on the attachment struts famously read: 'PLACE ORBITER HERE. BLACK SIDE DOWN.' She's displayed with a shuttle mockup in Houston.
Fun fact
With a Shuttle on its back the SCA burned so much fuel it could only fly about 1,000 miles per hop.
Quick answers
What is the tail number of Shuttle Carrier Aircraft?
N905NA (Boeing 747-123, retired).
What kind of aircraft is Shuttle Carrier Aircraft?
Boeing 747-123.
Is it still flying?
No. It no longer flies.
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