This volume documents the proceedings of the Third DGLR/AAS Symposium held in Hannover, Germany, from April 28-30, 1980. It explores the advancements and utilization of the Space Shuttle as a new transportation system. The discussions cover various aspects of space transportation, including its design, capabilities, and potential applications for scientific research and commercial endeavors.

This collection of papers from the 1980 symposium offers a snapshot of the state of space transportation technology and its anticipated uses during that era. The technical depth suggests a readership of engineers, scientists, and policymakers involved in the aerospace industry. The focus on the early Space Shuttle program positions it as a historical document for understanding the development of space exploration and utilization.