VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE Studies to date have indicated that the same development time is required for the orbiter and the booster Preliminary design review occurs two months earlier on the orbiter than the booster due to the requirement of more wind tunnel testing to be done on the booster. Manufacturing of each is completed within one month of the other. First horizontal flight for both is scheduled to occur in June 1976. First manned orbital flight (MOF) is to be achieved in April 1978, followed by operational capability in June 1979. |