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The Boeing 747, an iconic aircraft introduced in the 1960s, has played a significant role beyond commercial aviation. Known for its capacity and range, the aircraft was notably used by NASA to transport the Space Shuttle. These modified jets, called "Shuttle Carrier" aircraft, were operational from 1977 to 2012. According to the National Air and Space Museum, their primary purpose was to ferry the Space Shuttle back to Kennedy Space Center in Florida after landing.
Both Shuttle Carriers were originally Boeing 747-100 variants that underwent modifications to safely carry the massive shuttle. The first jet in the program came from American Airlines in the mid-1970s. Enhancements included structural reinforcements and advanced instruments for monitoring electrical loads during flights.
Before becoming a ferry aircraft, NASA used the first Shuttle Carrier for flight tests at Armstrong Research Center in California. These tests contributed to Federal Aviation Administration regulations on wake turbulence safety.
