Space shuttles were reusable spacecraft designed by NASA to transport astronauts and cargo to and from space. They played a crucial role in missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and were used for satellite deployment and scientific research. The shuttle system included the orbiter, solid rocket boosters, and an external fuel tank. The first shuttle, Columbia, launched in 1981, marking the beginning of a new era in space exploration. Over 30 years, five shuttles completed 135 missions before the program ended in 2011. The shuttles contributed significantly to our understanding of space and advanced technology for future missions.