The Saturn-Shuttle was a preliminary concept of launching the Space Shuttle orbiter using a modified version of the first stage of the Saturn V rocket.^[1] It was studied and considered in 1971–1972.^[2]

An interstage would be fitted on top of the S-IC stage to support the external tank in the space occupied by the S-II stage in the Saturn V. It was an alternative to the SRBs.^[1]

Some studies proposed the addition of wings (and some form of landing gear) to the S-IC stage, which would allow the booster to fly back to the Kennedy Space Center, where technicians would then refurbish the booster (by replacing only the five F-1 engines and reusing the tanks and other hardware for later flights).^[1]

The Shuttle would handle space station logistics, while the Saturn V would launch components. This would have allowed the International Space Station, using a Skylab or Mir configuration with both U.S. and Russian docking ports, to have been lifted with just a handful of launches. However, it was ultimately rejected on basis of cost.^{[citation needed]}

• Buran programme
• Boeing X-20 Dyna-Soar
• X-37
• Dream Chaser
• List of launch vehicle designs

• "Phase B' Shuttle contractor studies 1971". Archived from the original on January 27, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
• "Phase B' Shuttle cost tradeoffs 1971". Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.

• "Shuttle". www.astronautix.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2016.
• Saturn Shuttle with Flyback Booster, video rendering by Hazegrayart