A

David

Darling

MUSTARD (Multi-Unit Space Transport and Recovery Device)

MUSTARD (Multi-Unit Space Transport and Recovery Device)

Artist's concept of the MUSTARD third stage approaching orbit.


MUSTARD (Multi-Unit Space Transport and Recovery Device) is a design for a reusable space vehicle proposed by the British Aircraft Corporation in 1964–1965. MUSTARD consisted of three fully-reusable delta-shaped craft mated together. Two of the components served as boosters for the third stage, which was orbital. These boosters could then be flown back, either by pilots or remote control. Fuel could be pumped from the boosters into the orbiter, so the orbiter could reach orbit with a full fuel load and therefore, if required, continue on to the Moon.