Like most aircraft tires, the Space Shuttle tires are filled with nitrogen because of its stability at different altitudes and temperatures. Due to the extremely heavy loads, these bias ply tires are inflated to 340 psi (main gear) and 300 psi (nose gear). The main landing gear shuttle tires are only used one time, and the nose landing gear tires are used for two landings.


Since weight is of extreme importance, Michelin® designs the tires with a minimum amount of tread to conserve weight, allowing for larger payloads. A few pounds may not seem to make much difference, but when you add up all of the ways to decrease weight throughout the Shuttle it can have a significant impact.


Space Shuttle tires were manufactured exclusively in Norwood, North Carolina.