Space Shuttle Discovery

Space Shuttle Discovery at Udvar-Hazy Center

Discovery rollout ceremony

Space Shuttle Discovery and Carrier 747 at Vandenberg Air Force Base

STS-41-D Crew Enjoying Space - GPN-2004-00024

SRBsepfromDiscovery07042006

STS-121 Discovery posing for inspection photos edit1

Space Shuttle Discovery (Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-103) is one of the orbiters from NASA's Space Shuttle program and one of the most iconic spacecraft in the history of space exploration. Named after previous ships of exploration bearing the name Discovery, including the vessel used by Henry Hudson to explore Hudson Bay and the ship used by James Cook in the Pacific, the Space Shuttle Discovery has contributed significantly to scientific knowledge, space exploration, and international cooperation.

Design and Development

The design of Space Shuttle Discovery was part of NASA's effort to develop a reusable spacecraft for frequent trips to space, aiming to reduce the cost of space exploration. Discovery was the third orbiter of the Space Shuttle program to be built, following Columbia and Challenger. Its construction began in 1979, and it was delivered to the Kennedy Space Center in November 1983.

Missions

Over its operational life, Discovery completed 39 missions, more than any other spacecraft in the history of space exploration. It played a crucial role in several key missions, including the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope, conducting scientific research for the International Space Station (ISS), and carrying the Spacelab into orbit. Discovery's maiden flight, STS-41-D, launched on August 30, 1984, successfully deploying three communications satellites.

One of Discovery's most notable missions was STS-31, launched on April 24, 1990, which deployed the Hubble Space Telescope into orbit, providing astronomers with an unprecedented view of the universe and leading to significant discoveries in astrophysics.

Following the tragic loss of Challenger in 1986, Discovery was the first Space Shuttle to return to flight with mission STS-26 in 1988, marking a significant milestone in the recovery of the Space Shuttle program.

Retirement

After a distinguished career, Discovery was retired from service in 2011 as NASA began to wind down the Space Shuttle program in favor of new space exploration initiatives. On April 17, 2012, Discovery was transferred to the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, where it is now on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia, serving as a testament to its contributions to space exploration and technology.

Legacy

Discovery's legacy is marked by its contributions to scientific research, space exploration, and international cooperation. It has left an indelible mark on the history of human spaceflight, inspiring future generations to explore beyond our planet. The orbiter's missions have contributed to our understanding of the Earth, the solar system, and the universe, making it a symbol of human ingenuity and the spirit of exploration.