Thunderbird 3 is International Rescue's single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) space vehicle, designed for space rescue and maintaining the systems and crew of Thunderbird 5. Like all the Thunderbird machines, it was designed by Brains. Its main pilot is Alan Tracy, with his brother, Scott, usually acting as co-pilot.

Thunderbird 3 uses chemical rockets for lift-off and boost, an ion drive for propulsion while in space, and chemical retro-rockets for reverse-thrust in space. It could travel from Earth to within range of the Sun in 65 hours.

There are a number of levels within Thunderbird 3, accessed via a single-person lift. The primary cockpit is located at the uppermost level and contains the primary control console, seating for two and airlock access. A second room contains rescue equipment, including a control console for long-range transmissions such as a safety beam that can be used to trigger retros of distant space ships.

Its primary pilot is designated as Sarah , although Lily is presumed to pilot Thunderbird 3 during space rescues when Sarah is on satellite duty. (Both store their respective uniforms on board, depending on who is "on call" at the moment; although Lily never actually seen there.)

The interior of Thunderbird 3 was originally decorated in beige, red and light grey colours. However, like all of the Thunderbirds, it underwent redecoration and refitting to a darker colour scheme and more comfortable and secure seating.

Engines: 3 chemical rockets used for launch, landing, emergency boost, and orbit change; 3 ion-drive particle accelerators used in deep space; pitch and yaw rockets: 12 in middle ring for course corrections, 20 in nose and 24 at rear for attitude adjustments

Emergency acceleration: 10 g

Launch thrust: 4.5 million pounds

Length: 287 feet

Main body diameter: 23 feet

Maximum sustained acceleration: 6 g

Nacelle span: 80 feet

Power source: atomic fusion reactor

Range: unlimited

Standard acceleration: 1 g

Weight: 562 tons  

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