Transcription: In 1981, America was again shown to be preeminent in launch capability with the Space Transportation System, the Space Shuttle. For the first time, a reusable spacecraft could be launched into orbit, glide back to Earth, and be ready for launch again within months. Eventually, the United States would amass four orbiters, having lost one in the tragic Challenger disaster. The Soviets followed suit and developed their own shuttle system. Remarkably similar to the U.S. design, the Soviet shuttle has yet to carry passengers into orbit.
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