The orbiter spacecraft is the final element of the Space Shuttle system. It can transport into near earth orbit 100 to 600 nautical miles (115 to 690 statute miles) up to 29,484 kilograms (65,000 pounds) of cargo. This cargo (called payload) is carried in a bay 4.57 meters (15 feet) in diameter and 18 meters (60 feet) long. It can bring back from space cargo weighing a total of 14,515 kilograms (32,000) pounds.

The orbiter normally carries a flight crew of 4 plus 3 additional passengers. A total of 10 persons could be carried under emergency conditions. The basic mission is 7 days in space; with additional supplies, a 30 day mission is possible. The shuttle can be on launch pad standby for 24 hours, and can be launched from standby within 2 hours. In its return to earth, the orbiter has a cross-range maneuvering capability of 1,100 nautical miles (1,265 statute miles).