What are the three components of a space shuttle?

1. The orbiter itself.

2. Solid rocket boosters (SRBs) which provide the majority of thrust during launch and initial ascent. They are separated two minutes after launch, parachute back into the ocean and are re-used.

3. The External Fuel Tank (ET). This provides enough fuel for the three space shuttle main engines (SSMEs) to burn for eight minutes (the entire length of the ascent to orbit). The ET has three components: the liquid hydrogen tank, liquid oxygen tank, and an intertank which binds the two together. The ET is the only non-reusable component of the space shuttle. It is separated once the shuttle achieves orbit and burns up upon re-entry.