ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Space Shuttle Independence

Okay kiddo, let's talk about space shuttle independence. The space shuttle independence is not a thing, it is actually a nickname for the Space Shuttle Orbiter known as "Independence." The space shuttle Orbiter is a spacecraft that can go into space and come back to Earth like an airplane. It was used by NASA to take astronauts, supplies, and equipment into space.

Independence got its name because it was first delivered to NASA on July 4th, which is the Independence Day for the United States. Independence was built in the 1980s and was flown on 25 missions to space. It traveled at about 17,500 miles per hour, which is very very fast!

Independence could carry a crew of up to seven people, and it had a cargo bay where it could carry things like satellites, telescopes, and other equipment that they would use in space. The crew could do experiments and tests while they were up there.

Unfortunately, NASA retired all of their space shuttle orbiters in 2011, including Independence. But don't worry, kiddo, NASA is still sending spacecraft to explore the galaxy and learn more about space. There's still so much to learn and discover out there!